Spain expands cat sterilization initiatives as summer pet abandonments rise

Municipalities across Spain are scaling up the Capture‑Sterilisation‑Return (CER) method to control community cat colonies. Budgets ranging from €10,000 to €179,000 have been allocated in towns such as Soria, Valls, La Solana, Valverde and Cártama. Soria approved a €22,000 contract for capture and a €26,000 agreement with the veterinary college after criticism over a program pause. Valls set a target of sterilising 90 % of its 694 recorded cats by 2030; currently 52.5 % are sterilised, with several colonies still at 0 %.

At the same time, animal shelters in Tarragona report a sharp summer increase in dog and cat abandonments, caring for about 120 dogs and 250 cats near capacity. Factors cited include holiday abandonments, economic strain and unwanted litters. The Protectora de Tarragona urges greater municipal support, stricter law enforcement by security forces, and resources such as cooling stations and early‑morning walks to protect animal welfare.