Puerto de la Cruz Launches Regulated Municipal Shelter Program for Community Cats
Puerto de la Cruz has launched a municipal initiative to replace makeshift cat shelters with professional, regulated structures to improve animal welfare and public hygiene through the ethical "Trap-Neuter-Return" method.
Managing community cat colonies in Puerto de la Cruz is no longer just a task for informal volunteers; it is now a regulated municipal responsibility. The local government has begun installing a network of professional shelters for these cats to improve animal care and replace the makeshift, unhygienic structures previously set up by individuals.
Led by the Department of Animal Welfare, this initiative aims to improve public spaces and civic coexistence. By replacing precarious items like cardboard boxes and old appliances with durable, weather-resistant shelters, the city can better manage feeding points and support authorized caregivers.
This project aligns with national Animal Welfare laws, which promote the "Trap-Neuter-Return" (TNR) method to control cat populations ethically. By stabilizing these colonies, the city aims to prevent uncontrolled breeding and address public health concerns. Councilwoman Josefa Reina noted that the plan focuses on long-term sustainability, while Mayor Leopoldo Afonso described it as part of a broader commitment to a more environmentally conscious city.
Ultimately, this policy brings together technical staff, veterinary clinics, and volunteers. Puerto de la Cruz is moving away from spontaneous, unregulated solutions toward a structured approach that balances animal welfare with the need for clean, orderly public spaces.