Spain has taken a bold step in animal welfare by introducing mandatory sterilization for new cats under six months old. This significant change is part of the country’s new Animal Welfare Law, which was recently published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) and will come into effect on September 29, 2023. The law specifically targets the feline population in an effort to combat the growing problem of abandoned pets throughout the country.
Why Cats Are Being Targeted
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The focus on cats in this legislation isn’t arbitrary. According to data from the Affinity Foundation, unwanted litters were the primary reason for pet abandonment in Spain during 2021 and the second most common reason in 2020. The problem is particularly acute with cats, whose reproductive capabilities can quickly lead to overpopulation when left unchecked.
Many cat owners in Spain traditionally allow their pets outdoor access, which significantly increases the chances of unplanned breeding. A single unspayed female cat can produce multiple litters per year, with each litter potentially containing 4-6 kittens. This exponential growth contributes heavily to the stray and abandoned cat population.
“This measure directly addresses one of our biggest animal welfare challenges,” said animal welfare advocates supporting the legislation. “By preventing unwanted litters at the source, we can significantly reduce the number of cats entering already overwhelmed shelters.”
How The Law Will Be Implemented
The implementation strategy for this new requirement is straightforward but comprehensive. Article 26 of the new law establishes that, in addition to mandatory microchipping, all cats must undergo surgical sterilization before reaching six months of age.
For those adopting cats from public animal protection centers, the process will remain largely unchanged. As most shelters and animal associations already sterilize animals before adoption or require signed commitments to do so. The real change comes for those purchasing or receiving cats through transfer, who will now bear the legal responsibility for sterilization.
The law also introduces new requirements for those who wish to breed cats:
- Cats intended for breeding must be specifically registered in the identification register as breeding animals
- The owner must be officially listed in the Register of Pet Breeders
- Cats over six months old must be sterilized before being transferred to a new owner
These measures ensure that only regulated, responsible breeding continues while preventing casual or accidental breeding that contributes to overpopulation.
What Cat Owners Need to Do Now
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With the September 29 implementation date approaching, cat owners in Spain should begin preparing now to comply with the new regulations. Here are the essential steps:
- Schedule a veterinary consultation to discuss sterilization if your cat is approaching six months of age
- Ensure your cat is properly microchipped and registered as required by law
- If you intend to breed cats, begin the registration process with the Register of Pet Breeders
- For those planning to adopt or purchase a cat, verify the animal’s sterilization status or make arrangements for the procedure
The new law represents a significant shift in Spain’s approach to pet ownership, particularly for cats. While the mandatory sterilization requirement may initially seem strict to some pet owners, animal welfare experts widely support the measure as an effective and humane solution to the persistent problem of cat overpopulation and abandonment.
By addressing the root cause of unwanted litters, Spain hopes to create a more sustainable and responsible pet ownership culture while improving the welfare of cats throughout the country.
