Feral cats for Rincon de la Victoria. Credit: Pacma
Local authorities in this Costa del Sol town have strengthened efforts to manage its feral cat colonies responsibly. For years, residents have disagreed over what to do about the cats, some arguing that they should be treated as vermin and a health hazard, others arguing for their rights as part of the natural fauna and a control over levels of real rodents. Recent controversies around a colony on Calle Conchitina highlighted nuisances for nearby residents, including smells, noise and hygiene concerns. Officials initially considered removal but shifted focus towards proven humane methods following input from animal welfare groups.
New agreement gets €60,000 for CER2 programme
Council leaders have signed an addendum to an existing collaboration with the Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de Malaga. Mayor Francisco Salado put pen to paper on behalf of the council, while college president Juan Antonio Luque represented the veterinary body.
Accompanied by council staff, both parties formalised the update in a ceremony that will guarantee commitment to scientific cat population control.
The modification raises total funding to €60,000 dedicated to the CER2 programme. Capture, sterilisation and return form the core approach, with added vaccination and microchipping to improve feline health and curb breeding. Five veterinary clinics already participate, though the agreement remains open to further practices across the municipality.
Progress builds on earlier successes
Rincón de la Victoria pioneered similar initiatives in 2022. Since mid-2024, teams have sterilised, identified and vaccinated over one hundred cats through the scheme. With this scheme, the council plans to exceed five hundred treated animals overall, stabilising colonies without resorting to relocation or culling, in line with Spain’s national animal welfare legislation.
Volunteers from groups such as Ferales Rincón Asociación and Darwin Colonias Felinas support on-the-ground work. Training sessions for feeders and trappers help ensure responsible care while addressing public complaints about irregular feeding that can attract more animals.
Balanced approach benefits community and cats
Residents near problem areas reported feeling confined by unchecked colonies dating back to 2021. Health services counted around forty cats in the Conchitina group last summer, with many already treated. Expanded resources now allow faster intervention, reducing future overpopulation while respecting legal preferences for colony management over removal.
