Spain: Nationwide Protests Demand Effective Management of Cat Colonies

Hundreds of people across Spain, including volunteers and animal rights activists, protested in 38 cities on September 6, 2023, to denounce the inadequate management of cat colonies by local municipalities. The protesters, organized under the banner 'Cats Have Law', called for the urgent implementation of the Capture, Sterilize, and Return (CER) plan, which they argue is the only ethical and effective way to control the feline population and ensure peaceful coexistence between cats and citizens. The primary concern is the insufficient funding allocated by municipalities for animal care, leaving the financial burden on volunteers. The protests follow a 2023 animal protection regulation that mandates municipalities to manage cat colonies effectively.