A Spanish coastal town has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to humane animal population control through an ambitious sterilization program. Benidorm successfully neutered approximately 800 stray cats living across 34 colonies throughout the municipality this year, according to Health Councillor Monica Gomez. This comprehensive initiative represents a significant investment in both animal welfare and community health management. The program received substantial financial backing, with Alicante’s provincial council contributing €15,000 while the town hall provided an additional €6,000.
Dramatic Increase in Stray Cats Sterilized
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The 2019 program achieved remarkable results compared to previous years’ efforts. Benidorm managed to trap, neuter, and release 245 cats during this campaign, representing a substantial increase from recent years. The breakdown included 101 male cats and 144 female cats, demonstrating comprehensive coverage across both genders.
These numbers show consistent growth in the program’s reach and effectiveness. In 2018, authorities sterilized 161 cats, while 2017 saw 147 procedures completed. The steady increase reflects both improved funding and enhanced operational efficiency.
The expanded scope allowed veterinary teams to reach more colonies and process higher numbers of animals safely. This scaling demonstrates how adequate funding can dramatically improve program outcomes for stray animal management.
Strategic Partnership Enhances Stray Cats Program
The success of Benidorm’s initiative stems from effective collaboration between multiple government levels. Alicante’s provincial council, known as the Diputacion, provided the bulk of funding with their €15,000 contribution. The town hall’s additional €6,000 brought total investment to €21,000.
Monica Gomez emphasized that this represented “more than in previous years” and enabled significant program expansion. The increased funding allowed authorities to extend the campaign duration and reach more colonies across the municipality.
Professional expertise played a crucial role in execution. Benidorm contracted a specialist firm to handle the complex logistics of trapping, transporting, and releasing cats safely. This professional approach ensures minimal stress for the animals while maximizing capture rates.
Collaborating veterinarians provided comprehensive medical care beyond just sterilization. Each cat received deworming treatment, flea removal, and anti-rabies vaccinations. This holistic approach addresses multiple health concerns simultaneously.
Why TNR Method Works for Managing Stray Cats
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Benidorm’s approach follows the internationally recognized TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) method, which Gomez described as both the most effective and most respectful way to control stray populations. This scientific approach has proven superior to traditional removal methods in communities worldwide.
The TNR method works because it addresses the root cause of population growth while allowing cats to maintain their established territories. Simply removing cats often creates a vacuum effect, where new animals quickly move into abandoned territories and reproduce rapidly.
Sterilized cats continue living in their colonies but can no longer reproduce. Over time, natural attrition reduces colony sizes without the trauma and expense of mass removal programs. This approach also maintains the social structures that help prevent new cats from establishing territories.
The method’s respectful nature appeals to animal welfare advocates while delivering the population control results that communities need. Benidorm’s success demonstrates how municipalities can balance animal welfare with practical urban management concerns through evidence-based approaches.
