{
  "id": 9128569,
  "title": "Torrevieja Moves to Control Cat Colonies as Population Tops 2,000",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/torrevieja-moves-to-control-cat-colonies-as-population-tops-2-000",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T10:34:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Leader",
    "slug": "the-leader",
    "url": "https://theleader.info/2026/09/22/torrevieja-moves-to-control-cat-colonies-as-population-tops-2000/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Torrevieja's city council is implementing stricter regulations on community cat colonies following a population count surpassing 2,000 felines. The Ethical Management Programme for Feline Colonies restricts feeding to designated areas, requires approval for colony establishment or expansion, and mandates consulting the Animal Protection Department before making any changes. A census from April 2026 recorded around 2,000 cats across 57 registered colonies and 200+ feeding spots, though the actual number may be higher due to unregistered cats. Complaints indicate more feeding is happening outside official channels. The animal shelter admitted 493 cats in 2024 and 460 in 2025, with only 13 and 2 percent microchipped respectively. Mayor Eduardo Dolón approved the program by decree on August 27, and it now undergoes a 20-day public consultation. Key measures include banning feeding outside authorized areas, requiring proper food storage, and implementing a trap-neuter-return program. Regular work within colonies will be managed by animal welfare organizations with the necessary training and insurance, while captures without microchips will be registered and ear-notched. The council targets an 80% sterilization rate in all colonies and aims to address environmental impacts, particularly at Molino del Agua Park.",
  "summary": "Torrevieja City Council is introducing tighter controls on community cat colonies after the municipality’s recorded feline population exceeded 2,000. Under a new Ethical Management Programme for Feline Colonies, cats may only be fed at officially authorised locations, while the establishment, relocation or expansion of colonies will require municipal approval. The programme is based on a […] The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}