GA Advertiser: Last month, we featured an appeal to find homes for five cats in Gran Alacant after their owner sadly passed away. Some readers asked what would happen if homes aren’t found in time – to provide clarity, we reached out to the local veterinary team at Gran Alacant Exotics for their insight:
First of all, there is nothing to worry about the cats being put to sleep, because this is forbidden in Spain. Nobody can put cats to sleep just because they have no owner or are living in the street.
According to Spanish Ley de Protección Animal de 2023 (2023 Animal Protection Act), sacrifice is strictly forbidden. A different (and allowed) thing is euthanasia, which implies ending the animal’s life BECAUSE there is no treatment for its condition, which is producing an unacceptable pain that cannot be relieved, not even by palliative care. As you can see, it’s not the case of the street cats you mention. Vets ourselves are not allowed at all to kill healthy animals. If you know about anybody who is planning to eliminate them, just report the Police.
According to the law Town Hall is responsible for animals without owner (because it’s dead or they never have had one). You can ask for some advice at local Animal Welfare Department.
On the other hand, it’s mandatory for looking after community cats to be registered at the Town Hall. Feeding animals at the street is not allowed. The only exception is community cats, but only in case the person who feeds them is been previously authorized to do it by the Town Hall.
A Heartfelt Appeal for Help
“Three months ago, my dear friend Ditske sadly passed away. She lived in the Santara/Evoca Living resort and had a huge heart for animals. She lovingly cared not only for her own cats, but also for the local homeless Santara cats, always providing food, water and safety on her terrace.
Her five beautiful cats are now looking for forever homes. They are between 4 and 10 years old – calm, affectionate, gentle companions who would be perfect for anyone living permanently in Gran Alacant. Older cats make wonderful pets: loving, purring, and settled.
For the past three months, I’ve been travelling to the property twice a day to care for a total of 10 cats, but sadly this situation cannot continue indefinitely.”
Please, if you can open your heart and offer one of these lovely cats a warm, safe home, it would mean the world. Please share and help them find the loving families they deserve.
