Torremolinos intensifies efforts to curb feral cat population, Costa News Spain

Torremolinos Council has taken a meaningful step toward addressing the growing numbers of stray cats by boosting its budget for feline colony management by 73 percent, up to a total of €52,000. 

This plan follows the signing of a new contract between Mayor Margarita del Cid and Juan Antonio Luque, president of the College of Veterinarians of Malaga, aimed at expanding the Capture-Sterilisation-Return protocol.

The additional funding will enable the sterilisation and control of uncontrolled cat colonies, reducing their growth rate while improving the welfare of all cats in the town. In addition, the council hopes to encourage and promote adoptions of kittens and adult cats born on streets. It also wants to protect public health in areas with more cat colonies. The Malaga Felina Association and local veterinarian clinics will provide rabies vaccinations and basic health care treatments.

Mayor Del Cid assured that the dual focus on animal welfare and community well-being, stating, ‘This agreement ensures a humane approach to managing the urban feral cat population.’ 

Officials suspect that the true number of wild cats is much higher, due to abandoned colonies and unchecked reproduction.

Local animal rights groups and volunteers have welcomed this move. It builds on the years of grassroots work to care for Torremolinos moggy strays. The council hopes that with increased investment it can set an example for responsible wildlife management in urban areas on the Costa del Sol.