Street cats in Mallorca: municipal duties – and how to enforce them

To everyone caring for street cats in Mallorca:

By law, municipalities (Ayuntamientos) must manage street cats in their territory. Many ignore the law while charities pay for neutering, food and vets themselves.

You have rights. This article explains the legal basis, what councils must deliver, and which pressure tools you can use when authorities stay inactive.

More: Spanish animal welfare law hub · Cat colonies & CER

Municipalities must develop Cat Colony Management Programmes including at least:

- Citizen collaboration and rules for colony carers - Cooperation with registered animal charities - Veterinary care via a registered vet - Census and CER with ear tipping, deworming, vaccination, municipal microchipping - Conflict protocols, annual reporting, emergency shelter - Enforcement against owners of unneutered cats breeding into colonies

The Balearic Protocolo marco (December 2025) guides implementation; the Govern coordinates via FELIB and RIACIB.

- Many towns lack an updated colony census - Palma has municipal vets; most of the island relies on contracts (e.g. Natura Parc) or charities - The Govern acknowledges unfunded mandates passed to municipalities - 1,760+ registered colonies in the Balearics – actual numbers higher

Background: Why charities are at breaking point

1. Municipal colony management programme under Ley 7/2023 2. Registration in municipal and RIACIB systems 3. CER programme with budget and named vet 4. Collaboration agreement (convenio) with your charity 5. Emergency vet / 24h pickup for injured cats (Art. 38) 6. Accredited carer training 7. Subsidy applications – councils can claim state/regional grants

Costs: What does a colony really cost?

Photos, cat counts, vet bills, registry receipts, timeline, witness statements. Without records you lose credibility in administration and court.

Stage 1 – Dialogue and formal steps

Stage 2 – Political and public pressure

Stage 3 – Inspection and higher authorities

Stage 4 – Administrative appeals

Stage 5 – Court

1. Download the Spanish PDF, print or fill digitally 2. Use the English or German guide to understand each field 3. Gather attachments (photos, costs, vet lists) 4. Submit at Registro – always request proof of entry 5. Keep a stamped copy

See also the PDF section below the article.

1. Charity details (NIF, statutes) 2. Addressee: Ayuntamiento, relevant councillor 3. Form: fill in Instancia PDF (help: EN · DE) 4. Facts: location, cat numbers, volunteer costs so far 5. Legal basis: Art. 39, Art. 38, protocol 6. Ask: convenio, CER budget, vet, registration, timeline 7. Attachments: photos, vet lists, prior correspondence 8. Registry entry proof

- Do not feed without a neutering plan (CER article) - No threats or personal attacks - No court action without documented admin steps

Standing alone before the town hall is exhausting. Animal welfare groups in Mallorca – whether a registered association, private initiative or established colony team – can now join MallorcaPets for free and show where colonies are, what you deliver, and where the council must act under the law.

This does not replace a registry application – it adds collective leverage. When several groups share facts, align demands and document in public, inaction becomes harder to defend. That is what Article 39 Ley 7/2023 is about – and a visible charity network can strengthen it.

- Report a colony - Find charities · **Register your organisation** - Feeding stations - Animal law hub

Street cats are not a private volunteer problem. Ley 7/2023 gives you clear arguments. Many councils ignore the law because pressure is missing.

Learn your rights. Go to your town hall. Demand help in writing. Document everything. If nothing happens: escalate – from media to inspection to court. You are not alone; charities across Spain are winning with the same tools.

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*Updated June 2026. Not legal advice.*