Ibiza launches animal welfare contract and community cat food program

The Ibiza City Council has launched a tender for a new contract to manage pet collection, feline colony control, and veterinary services at the Sa Coma Animal Protection Center. The contract is divided into two lots with an initial two-year budget of approximately 829,337 euros, which could reach up to 1.66 million euros if two extensions are exercised, totaling a maximum of four years.

As the municipality lacks the specialized personnel and resources to manage these services internally, the external contract aims to comply with national animal welfare laws. The service must provide continuous 24/7 emergency care and the collection of abandoned or stray animals.

In a related development, the local government has begun distributing food for community cats to accredited caregivers at the Sa Coma center. While the Association of Feline Colonies of Ibiza (ACFE) welcomed this measure as relief for volunteers, the organization emphasized that a comprehensive management model is still required. This model should include updated census data, sterilization, identification, and regular veterinary programs to meet the obligations set by state legislation.