• «Anger and indignation»: medical strike hangover complicates healthcare and leaves delays of more than a month

This is what is stated in the Annual Report on the Aid in Dying Benefit, published Tuesday by the Ministry of Health, which confirms a trend of sustained growth since the law came into force in June 2021. In total, the Balearic Islands has registered 41 euthanasia benefits until December 31, 2024.

Of the 48 processes processed last year in the archipelago, ten applications were denied because they did not meet the legal requirements, three people voluntarily revoked their request and 18 died during the processing of the procedure. The 17 effective benefits represent 35.4% of the total number of processes completed.

Balearic Islands, among the communities with the highest number of applications

At the state level, in 2024, 929 euthanasia request processes were recorded, of which 426 resulted in actual benefits, 45.86% of the total, which is 27.5% more than the previous year. Since the approval of the law, the number of requests in Spain has increased by 437%, reaching 2,432 accumulated requests.

By autonomous region, Catalonia leads the number of applications (303, with 142 accepted), followed by Madrid (129, with 62 accepted) and the Basque Country (75, with 50). The Balearic Islands is in sixth position, behind Andalusia and the Canary Islands, but ahead of regions such as Castilla y León, Asturias and Galicia.

Older than 60 years of age and neurological pathologies, the majority profile

The report reveals that almost 76% of the applicants were over 60 years of age, with the group over 80 years of age being particularly significant. Neurological (32.51%) and oncological (29.71%) diseases were the most frequent pathologies, together accounting for more than 62% of the cases.

As for the processes completed in 2024 in Spain, 131 applications were denied, 54 people voluntarily withdrew and 308 died before completing the procedure, which again highlights the complexity and duration of the process.

The sustained increase in requests and benefits reflects, according to Health, a greater implementation and knowledge of the law, as well as the progressive consolidation of the right to euthanasia within the public health system, also in communities such as the Balearic Islands, where cases continue to grow year after year.

La entrada Euthanasia requests and euthanasia performed in the Balearic Islands increase se publicó primero en La Voz De Ibiza.

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.

• No lifeguards for cats: denounce that the Emergency Plan of Ibiza excludes them

The plan also contemplates additional actions in specific situations:

• Humane euthanasia, exclusively for cases of severe suffering accredited by a veterinarian.

• Temporary or permanent removal or relocation of colonies in areas of high ecological value, following specific SOP protocols (progressive displacement, capture and exceptional relocation).

• 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.

• Santa Eulària presents its Feline Plan and asks for improvement proposals to institutions, ecologists and animal associations.

Criteria for action: ecological, health and social risks

The PGIF incorporates a complete risk assessment system, divided into two main axes:

1. Ecological risk, which classifies territories into A, B and C zones:

   • 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.

   • Zone B, buffer areas where management is containment.

   • Zone C, urban and peri-urban areas where the standard CER+R will be applied.

2. Sanitary-social risk, with levels 1, 2 and 3, according to incidence on public health, neighborhood conflict, hygiene and presence of vectors.

• PACMA charges against Ibiza’s town halls that do not comply with the law on stray cats

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:

• a municipal technician,

• a municipal veterinarian,

• and a social mediator.

To these are added:

• contracted veterinary clinics, responsible for sterilizations and emergencies 24h,

• accredited volunteers, in charge of feeding and supervising the colonies,

• animal protection organizations, which will collaborate in adoptions,

• Local Police, for accreditation control and complaints,

• environmental zelators, field inspection personnel.

  

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.

• Pacma alerts about the massive death of cats in Ibiza’s Cepad

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.

• Pacma alerts about the massive death of cats in Ibiza’s Cepad

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:

• CER+R program,

• veterinary emergencies,

• feeding and maintenance,

• municipal staff,

• volunteer supervision,

• computer system,

• external consulting.

Continue reading:

• The tender rescue of a kitten lost on an Ibiza road

• Animal activists call for investigation of CEPAD after complaints about the care of cats and dogs

• Paramilitary tasks’ against cats: Ibiza never ceases to amaze

• From «cat god morons» to «trespasser traps»: the phrases that ignite environmental controversy in Ibiza

• Pacma alerts about the massive death of cats in Ibiza’s Cepad

• Vandalism against snake traps puts pitiusa lizard at risk

• Ibiza as a thermometer: the sea reveals worrying signs of transformation

• Garbage and dead lizards: Es Vedrà, on the verge of environmental collapse

La entrada Santa Eulària presents its new «feline plan»: in which cases it will allow a cat to be euthanized se publicó primero en La Voz De Ibiza.