This initiative aims to improve animal welfare, control the population of community cats, and foster better coexistence. The council already had a Cat Colony Management Program and has now formalized a cooperation agreement with the aforementioned organization, which will participate in the coordination and monitoring of these colonies.
The new system includes the application of the CER method (Capture, Esterilization, and Return). Furthermore, a detailed registry of the colonies, their locations, and their caregivers will be established. Caregivers will be authorized and identified via a municipal card and will commit to the program's guidelines through a declaration of responsibility.
Authorized cat colonies will be marked with signage and will feature controlled feeding points. These actions will adhere to hygiene, safety, and animal welfare standards, ensuring public health for the residents of Amorebieta-Etxano.
Mayor Ainhoa Salterain emphasized, "The goal is to move towards responsible and organized management of cat colonies, in collaboration with Animalien Lagunak, ensuring animal welfare and improving coexistence within the municipality."
Through these measures, the City Council seeks to strengthen a management approach that is coordinated, sustainable, and respectful of both the urban environment and animal welfare.
