This new financial contribution will enable the Elda City Council to continue and reinforce the CER Program, recognized as a crucial tool for the ethical and responsible management of feline colonies. The objective is to promote animal welfare and foster appropriate coexistence within the urban environment.
The Councilor for Animal Protection, Cristina Rodríguez, highlighted the importance of consolidating a municipal animal protection policy based on strategic planning, veterinary care, and active collaboration with volunteers and entities managing the colonies. "The CER program is essential for ensuring the welfare of community cats and, at the same time, advancing towards responsible colony management and better coexistence in our city," stated Rodríguez. She added, "This new grant allows us to continue progressing in work that we began at the start of the term and which has seen significant growth in resources, organization, and results."
Since the beginning of the term, the department has expanded and structured the CER program, developing a more comprehensive management model. This model includes animal identification via microchip, vaccination, deworming, veterinary care, training for those responsible for the colonies, and specific actions to improve their living conditions.
The City Council has intensified training and coordination with the volunteer collective. As of January 2026, Elda had registered 458 sterilized cats, 482 identified and vaccinated, and 109 registered feline colonies, some of which have already achieved 100% sterilization. The program involves approximately 200 volunteers.
The councilor emphasized that "the progress achieved demonstrates the importance of maintaining a continuous strategy." She explained that "it is not just about sterilizing animals, but about having an organized system for monitoring, veterinary care, training, and collaboration with the people who manage the colonies."
Rodríguez also expressed gratitude for "the daily work of the volunteers, associations, and veterinary professionals, who are an indispensable element for the CER program to be developed adequately and achieve sustainable results."
