What the New Animal Welfare Law Means for Stray Cats in Spain
Spain’s Law 7/2023 on animal protection has changed how cities handle the cats that live in parks, streets, gardens and other urban spaces. Instead of removing or euthanizing them, the law now requires a humane, ongoing management plan that keeps the animals in their familiar territories while controlling their numbers.
The CER Method: Capture, Sterilize, Return
The law officially endorses the CER (Capture‑Sterilize‑Return) strategy as the main tool for managing feline colonies. Here’s how it works step by step:
- Capture – Cats are trapped using safe, non‑harmful cages or nets.
- Sterilize – Each cat receives a spay or neuter surgery from a veterinarian.
- Return – After recovery, the cat is released back to the exact spot where it was found.
By sterilizing the cats, births are prevented, which gradually stabilizes the colony size. The method also reduces fighting, spraying and the spread of diseases, making coexistence with neighbours easier.
What Cities Must Do Now
Local governments have gained clear responsibilities under the law:
- Create a colony inventory – Identify every group of stray cats and map their territories.
- Develop action plans – Set up regular CER campaigns, veterinary check‑ups and feeding stations if needed.
- Coordinate with vets and volunteers – Partner with animal clinics, shelters and community caregivers to carry out sterilizations and medical care.
- Monitor and report – Keep track of colony health, birth rates and any incidents, adjusting the plan as necessary.
The Ministry of Social Rights provides funding lines to help municipalities launch and sustain these programs. Cities such as Zaragoza and Morón de la Frontera have already begun implementing censuses, maps and CER initiatives with the help of local volunteers and vet clinics.
Debate: Animal Welfare vs. Biodiversity
While animal‑rights groups and many vets welcome the law, some scientists and environmental experts raise concerns:
- Impact on wildlife – Free‑roaming cats can hunt birds, reptiles and small mammals, potentially threatening vulnerable species.
- Disease transmission – High densities of cats may increase the risk of spreading parasites or illnesses to other animals and even people.
To address these points, the law includes exceptions. If a colony is located inside a protected natural area, or if a verified health risk exists, authorities may take alternative measures—always aiming to avoid unnecessary harm.
Supporters of CER argue that a managed colony is far less harmful than an unchecked one. Sterilization reduces the number of kittens born, which in turn lowers predation pressure and disease spread over time. They also stress that removing cats and placing them in shelters often causes stress and does not solve the underlying problem of new cats moving into the vacated territory.
Conclusion
The new Animal Welfare Law shifts Spain’s approach from eradication to responsible, ongoing care. By mandating the CER method, requiring municipal action plans, and allowing limited exceptions for conservation or health reasons, the law tries to balance the well‑being of stray cats with the needs of local ecosystems and communities. As more towns adopt these practices, the hope is that Spain’s urban cat populations will become healthier, more stable, and better integrated into city life.
Reference: Source
Images Credit: expertoanimal.elperiodico.com