This new facility has been installed to control and support the stray cat population while making the coexistence between animals and humans locally more balanced as part of the CED programme.

The local council also highlights that cats are an important part of the local area as they are useful in the reduction of rodents.

The CED programme consists of capturing, sterilising and returning animals to their territory of origin, with prior electronic identification by transponder (microchip), deworming and rabies vaccination, where they are then fed and protected by caregivers.

“This is a very effective process in the management of the stray cat population, which will certainly contribute to the reduction of several problems associated with uncontrolled reproduction, noise and unhealthy conditions”.

The municipality has carried out actions in terms of sterilisation, vaccination and deworming in the past. In 2019, around 250 cats were sterilised in partnership with the Veterinary Medical Care Centres (CAMV), and in 2020, 222 cats were identified by transponder.

“However, for the process to work, we appeal for the resident population to actively collaborate and respect the “cat colonies”, not placing food in the vicinity, not removing the cats from the equipment, nor abandoning animals in this place”.