Legal information about cat colonies

CUMBRE DEL SOL CAT COLONIES

FIRST. Current legal framework

Law 7/2023, of 28 March, on the protection of animal rights and welfare, expressly recognises the existence of cat colonies and establishes the obligation of public administrations to guarantee their protection and management through the CER (Capture, Sterilisation and Return) method.

Likewise, regional regulations and municipal ordinances implement this legal framework, granting local councils exclusive authority over the management and control of cat colonies.

SECOND. Prohibition on removal or displacement

In accordance with current legislation:

• It is not permitted to remove, relocate, eliminate or scare away cats belonging to cat colonies on private initiative.

• It is expressly prohibited to cause them harm, alter their habitat or carry out actions aimed at their disappearance.

• Any action of this type may constitute an administrative offence, with the corresponding penalties provided for by law.

THIRD. Right to coexistence and responsible management

The law does not pit the rights of neighbours against those of animals, but rather establishes a model of regulated coexistence, whereby:

• Cats have the right to remain in their usual environment.

• Neighbours have the right to have the colony controlled, sterilised and managed appropriately, ensuring hygiene and minimising potential nuisance.

The only legal way to deal with a cat colony is through responsible and authorised management, never through elimination.

FOURTH. Role of the City Council and collaborating associations

The management of cat colonies is the responsibility of the local council, which may authorise associations or individuals to carry out the CER method and monitor the colony.

In this regard, steps are being taken with collaborating entities to ensure proper control of the colony, in accordance with current legislation.

FIFTH. Call for neighbourhood collaboration

We request the cooperation of residents and:

• Refrain from any action that could negatively affect the animals.

• Allow authorised management tasks to be carried out.

• Collaborate in a climate of coexistence and respect, avoiding actions that could give rise to legal liability.

This translation in English, directly

from the Spanish law is provided by Pepe Blas from the Pueblo de la Luz. 

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