The Spanish government has branded cat colonies ‘essential for animal welfare.’
The message was shared by the Interior Ministry in a post on X this week, just days after the Spanish Eye reported how volunteer cat feeders are being routinely harassed on the Costa del Sol.
The ministry shared a video of an officer from Seprona, the animal welfare arm of the Guardia Civil, interacting with cats from a colony in Madrid.
It said: ‘We introduce you to Aibar and Agent Jose Maria Gallardo, from the Seprona of the
Guardia Civil.
‘Their story reminds us that responsible management of feral cat colonies is essential for animal welfare.
‘In case of any animal cruelty or environmental risk, call 062.’
In the clip, Gallardo can be seen stroking and playing with a group of rescued cats.
He says: ‘I’m here with Aibar, who is one of the cats saved from a colony here in Madrid.
‘He now finds himself in the centre for animal protection, socialising with others of his kind, so that later he will be able to be adopted by a family that is ready to take him in, in good conditions at their home.
‘It’s important to remember, that if we are not authorised volunteers, we should not be feeding cat colonies, nor should we assume that if they are in the street, that the cats are abandoned.
‘There are people that are responsible, normally volunteers, for looking after them, including taking them to vets, some are even microchipped, and feeding them.’
He said that Seprona protects the colonies and also fines people for feeding or interfering with them if they are not authorised to do so.
He added that anyone with a pet at home needs to be aware of their needs and how to properly care for them.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
