Law 7/2023, of 28 March, on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals , introduces a new framework of obligations for local administrations in the management of urban fauna, feline colonies and domestic animals. The regulation reinforces the responsibility of municipalities in guaranteeing a respectful and balanced coexistence between animals and citizens.
The legal text defines urban fauna as “any vertebrate animal that belongs to a synanthropic species and that, without having a known owner or responsible person, lives sharing territory with people in urban areas.” Synanthropic species are those—those that benefit from the resources of anthropic areas, permanently or temporarily—including pigeons, wild boars, and other animals increasingly present in urban spaces.
Regarding the management of feline colonies, the Law obliges local entities to establish specific management programs that guarantee the well-being of community cats. These programs must include population control criteria, veterinary care, and action protocols that ensure adequate coexistence between animals and the neighborhood.
The regulations also regulate the collection and care of abandoned or lost animals, the access of animals to public spaces and transport, and the incorporation of animal protection measures into municipal Civil Protection Plans, thus expanding the scope of local responsibilities.
At Insta , we note that many municipalities, often due to ignorance, still do not fully comply with the provisions of the Law or apply methods that do not comply with it. To respond to this situation, we have created a specific
With this service, we want to accompany municipalities in the transition towards a more ethical, legal and sustainable management of urban fauna, feline colonies and companion or wild animals in captivity. At Insta, we defend that animal welfare is not only a legal obligation, but also a fundamental value for a modern and conscious society.
