Tenerife will host the First Animal Welfare Fair in June. This decision was made by the Insular Council on Tuesday, which also confirmed the establishment of an insular ownership for the New Metropolitan Area Protection Centre, incorporating both dogs and cats. Valentín González, the insular advisor for the primary sector, highlighted that the Cabildo is contributing €670,000 to this initiative.
The Council convened yesterday in the Plenary Hall of the Insular Palace, chaired by González, alongside Alicia Leirachá, the insular director of strategic projects, as well as representatives from the Government of the Canary Islands, local administrations, animal protection groups, and members of the Official College of Veterinarians.
Aims
González outlined the central work areas of the island’s institution. He emphasised, “Although animal welfare is primarily a municipal responsibility, the Cabildo takes on its role as a tool for social cohesion, in addition to collaborating with municipalities, particularly those with smaller populations, in fulfilling their duties.” He added, “Essentially, we aim to support the municipalities in this field.”
Renewal
The advisor announced the renewal of the agreement with the Official College of Veterinarians of Tenerife, aimed at enhancing the management, identification, and deworming programme for feral cats. The economic contribution has been increased to €270,000, a rise of €70,000 for this year, alongside the integration of the Zoocan database to assist municipalities with populations between 5,000 and 10,000 inhabitants.
Guidance
In this regard, he clarified, “We not only advise municipalities regarding the AMunicipal Ordinances Delegation on current legislation, but we also strive to achieve several objectives, such as updating the census of urban feline colonies, conducting an insular census of ownerless cats in protective associations and shelters, and managing the sterilisation and identification of cats through the network of veterinary clinics.” To date, over 20 veterinary clinics across the island have participated in this effort. Approximately 1,900 felines have been sterilised on an insular level. The agreement is facilitated through the Veterinarians’ College but is directed to the municipalities based on their specific requirements.
Protest
On the 26th, a rally will be held outside the Government Subdelegation to demand the repeal of Royal Decree 666/23 from 18 July, which regulates the distribution, prescription, dispensing, and usage of medicines. The advisor remarked, “I am aware of the issues raised by the veterinary school. We will soon establish direct contact with the school to thoroughly discuss this matter.”
Funding
González announced a forthcoming line of competitive grants amounting to €400,000 available for animal protection organisations. He emphasised the importance of volunteers and protectors, who play a crucial role in caring for abandoned animals, noting that the objective of this funding line is to enhance their efforts.
New Centre
Additionally, the construction of a new animal protection centre was announced, which the Cabildo aims to develop to support municipalities in the metropolitan area, the region under the most pressure concerning animal welfare. This centre will be situated on insular land at the boundary between La Laguna and Tacoronte.
Fair
Finally, Valentín González announced the celebration of an animal welfare fair, set for the summer months, specifically June. The event will convene administrations, protectors, and all relevant public and private stakeholders linked to animal welfare, with the goal of raising awareness and promoting responsible pet ownership. This event is significant for the promotion, dissemination, and education on animal welfare in Tenerife.
Field Dams will be a large island facility, with management collaboratively undertaken by the Cabildo, municipalities, and protectors. Valentín González remarked that “this expansive animal protection centre will cater not only to the needs of dogs but also of cats, a first at the insular level, as the issue of abandonment also affects felines.”
