The Department of the Environment of Arona City Council, under the leadership of Councillor Clari Pérez, initiated a study several months ago to assess the current situation of the issue of abandoned cat populations in the municipality. The objective is to gather reliable and thorough information on the extent of the problem and thus appropriately scale the actions concerning abandoned cat populations in the area.
This endeavour, carried out in collaboration with In Situ Canarias – a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of Canarian flora and fauna, as well as the rescue, veterinary care, rehabilitation, and adoption of companion animals – aligns with the principles outlined in Law 7/2023, dated March 28, on the protection of animal rights and welfare.
The pilot project has been rolled out in two colonies, situated in Valle San Lorenzo and Las Galletas, where the Capture, Sterilization, and Return (CER) method is being implemented for felines. Once the project yields results, an assessment will be conducted to extend it to other areas within the municipality, as stated by the Arona Council.
Feeding Prohibition
In both locations, specific “shelters” for cats have been established, all labelled with “feline colony controlled by the Arona City Council”, outlining the procedures of the CER method and cautioning that feeding this colony is forbidden, to be carried out solely by authorised personnel.
The monitoring of all aspects – food, water, etc. – will be overseen entirely by the Arona City Council through approved caregivers. All data collected moving forward will be evaluated by municipal authorities, and based on this information, the feasibility of placing new “shelters” in other parts of the municipality will be explored, according to the council.
