Palma cat colonies: march demands law enforcement

A march over Palma’s cat colonies sets off from Plaza de España in Palma, Mallorca, at 12.00 on Sunday. The Los Gatos Tienen Ley protest will cross the city to Plaza de Cort, where organisers plan to read a manifesto. They want the animal welfare law enforced for cats living in colonies.

The Palma protest is part of a nationwide action taking place at the same time in different parts of Spain. Organisers say enforcement of a law should not vary according to where people live.

Councils urged to take charge

The group wants public authorities to provide what it calls real, ethical and effective management of cat colonies. It says volunteers are still feeding, sterilising and rescuing community cats, despite the need for stable public policies, planning, funding and monitoring.

National campaign spokeswoman Mónica García said volunteers were tired of seeing the animal welfare law ignored. Organisers say the gap is not a lack of legislation, but uneven and ineffective application in many municipalities.

Rules already set out

Los Gatos Tienen Ley points to Law 7/2023, which sets out municipal duties for community cats. These include identification, registration, sterilisation through the Capture, Sterilisation and Return (CER) method, veterinary care, food, shelter and welfare.

Gatherings are also planned on Sunday in Eivissa, Ibiza, at Plaza de Sa Graduada, and in Formentera at Plaza de Sant Francesc Xavier. The campaign says it is not asking for a new law, but for authorities to carry out the responsibilities already laid down.

Topics: Sea rescue · Protests · Social affairs · Politics · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com