Bologna approves new welfare plan for feline oases and colonies

The Bologna City Council has approved the ‘Piano Oasi e del Benessere Felino’ (Oasis and Feline Welfare Plan) to reorganize the care and management of free-roaming cats within the city. Under this new plan, the municipality will provide free space, water, and electricity to feline oases, relieving volunteer associations of these significant utility costs.

In addition to utility coverage, the city will manage major green space maintenance, such as tree pruning, and provide waste management support through the ‘Carta Smeraldo’ or an equivalent permit. The plan aims to standardize agreements for all oases to ensure equal treatment for managing associations and to foster collaboration with third-sector entities.

Bologna currently identifies six feline oases and nearly 140 cat colonies. While colonies are areas where at least two cats live freely, oases serve as more structured intermediate facilities between colonies and the municipal shelter. The municipality also plans to allocate a budget for continuous census monitoring, sterilization, and community awareness, subject to budget availability. Furthermore, three new post-operative shelters will be constructed for the municipal shelter, which has recently transitioned to new management by ENPA.