Cat Stranded on La Orotava Roof for Month After Owner Dies

A cat has been stuck on a roof in La Orotava for over a month since its owner passed away. This unusual situation highlights the challenges local councils face in managing animal welfare and applying the new Animal Welfare Law. The La Orotava City Council is now working to rescue the cat, after a neighbor from Pescote Street, Villa de Arriba, reported its presence.

Residents are worried about the cat's well-being. While a relative of the deceased owner has been providing food, neighbors haven't seen any veterinary care or check-ups. Initially, the Civil Guard blocked access to the property while investigating the owner's death. Once it was confirmed the owner died of natural causes, access was granted. The council has confirmed that the house is not empty and that a family member is indeed feeding the cat. They are now trying to reach this person to see if they can take permanent care of the animal. If not, the City Council will arrange its rescue and move it to a safe place where it will receive all necessary care.

This incident highlights a common problem for local governments when it comes to protecting animals. It's worth remembering that in the previous term, councilors from La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, and San Juan de la Rambla worked together to tackle shared challenges in their towns. One key idea was to restart plans for a regional animal shelter in the North of the Island, designed to house lost or abandoned animals. Many areas struggle with a lack of proper facilities to collect and care for animals, which often leads them to seek solutions that involve several municipalities working together.