The City Council of Santa Eulària des Riu has concluded the drafting of its Integral Feline Management Plan (PGIF), a technical document of more than 50 pages that establishes for the first time a unified, protocolized and far-reaching system for the control of community cats and cat colonies in the municipality. It will be developed in three phases with a multi-year investment of more than 2.1 million euros.
The plan, mandatory after the entry into force of Law 7/2023, incorporates animal welfare, public health and biodiversity protection criteria, especially relevant on an island with fragile ecosystems. Until January 15, any interested person may submit suggestions or recommendations through the Consistory’s Registry Office.
Intervention criteria: sterilization vs. euthanasia
The program is based on the application of the CER+R method – capture, sterilization, return and registration – which is considered the main way to reduce the birth rate and stabilize the cat population. The goal is to exceed 80% sterilization coverage in each managed colony.
The plan also contemplates additional actions in specific situations:
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Humane euthanasia, exclusively for cases of severe suffering accredited by a veterinarian.
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Temporary or permanent removal or relocation of colonies in areas of high ecological value, following specific SOP protocols (progressive displacement, capture and exceptional relocation).
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Adoption of sociable or socializable cats removed from the settlements.
It is also clear from the document that the hygienic management of feeding points – authorized, controlled and with established maintenance – will be mandatory for all accredited caregivers.
Criteria for action: ecological, health and social risks
The PGIF incorporates a complete risk assessment system, divided into two main axes:
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Ecological risk, which classifies territories into A, B and C zones:
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Zone A, of special protection, includes areas such as ses Feixes, the mouth of the river or Natura 2000 zones. The presence of cats is incompatible, and mandatory removal is foreseen.
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Zone B, buffer areas where management is containment.
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Zone C, urban and peri-urban areas where the standard CER+R will be applied.
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Sanitary-social risk, with levels 1, 2 and 3, according to incidence on public health, neighborhood conflict, hygiene and presence of vectors.
The combination of both axes activates the different SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) included in the Allocation Matrix, ranging from intensive sterilization to the removal of colonies in sensitive areas.
Who will execute the Plan: operational structure
Management will be assumed by a municipal coordinating unit, made up of:
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a municipal technician,
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a municipal veterinarian,
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and a social mediator.
To these are added:
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contracted veterinary clinics, responsible for sterilizations and emergencies 24h,
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accredited volunteers, in charge of feeding and supervising the colonies,
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animal protection organizations, which will collaborate in adoptions,
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Local Police, for accreditation control and complaints,
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environmental zelators, field inspection personnel.
Wounded cat.
Implementation in three phases
The plan establishes a phased schedule:
Phase 1 – Preparation and deployment
Creation of the municipal map of colonias, hiring of personnel, approval of manuals, purchase of material and initiation of the communication campaign.
20251128 Pla de gestio integral…
Phase 2 – Implementation and harmonization
Full implementation of CER+R, unified registries, training of personnel and volunteers, and priority management in risk areas.
Phase 3 – Consolidation and maintenance
Annual evaluation, updating of protocols and stabilization of the cat population at sustainable levels.
Tracking system
The PGIF creates a municipal traceability system, PGIF-REG, which registers each colony, each animal and all the actions carried out. An annual report will be prepared with key indicators (KPIs) on population, health, neighborhood conflicts and environmental impact.
Planned investment: more than 2.1 million over four years
The estimated cost amounts to €593,093.00 in the first year, dedicated to the initial reduction of breeders and equipment, and stabilizes at €513,862.00 per year in the following years. The total investment foreseen for the first four years is 2,134,681.89 euros. The main items include:
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CER+R program,
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veterinary emergencies,
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feeding and maintenance,
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municipal staff,
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volunteer supervision,
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computer system,
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external consulting.
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