The implementation of the national Animal Welfare Act of 2023 was the subject of a meeting last week between the regional Ministry for the Environment and the municipalities of the Balearic Islands. Particular attention was given to monitoring the growing number of feral cats and their sterilisation. One person who deals with the issue on a daily basis is Miquela Cintes. The veterinary surgeon and animal welfare advocate is the protagonist of the latest episode of the video series “The Mallorcans” by German television journalist Sibylle Tiessen.
A cat colony is understood to be a group of cats living in the wild or in semi-freedom, with little or no socialisation and partly dependent on humans for survival. According to the latest figures from the Ministry, there are 1,759 registered cat colonies in the Balearic Islands, although, according to Fernando Fernández, Director General for Agriculture, there are in reality “many more”. The Animal Welfare Act of 2023 assigns responsibility for managing these cat colonies to local authorities, while the Balearic Government provides support.
Support also comes from Miquela Cintes in Porreres. The veterinary surgeon opened a small practice in the village in the centre of the island in 2018 and, in the same year, founded the animal welfare organisation 'Amics d’en Roc i na Bet'. It is one of the associations that typically finance and carry out the neutering of stray cats, with municipalities also contributing to funding since this year, according to Cintes. Nevertheless, the organisations still rely on public subsidies.
“The neutering of colony cats is crucial,” says Miquela Cintes, in order to regulate the population. Fernández explained that colonies can only be considered under control once more than 90 per cent of feral cats have been sterilised. Therefore, the Ministry’s first objective is for at least 50 per cent of cats in the colonies to undergo the procedure. According to information shared at the event held at the headquarters of the Balearic Federation of Local Authorities (FELIB), 26 of Mallorca’s 53 municipalities are currently actively implementing this measure.
Cintes notes that neutering at six months of age is required by law, together with the insertion of a microchip for tracking purposes. “The procedure takes five to ten minutes and the animal can roam freely again the same day,” explains the young veterinary graduate. “The cost amounts to between 100 and 150 euros for female cats and 70 to 100 euros for tomcats.” On its Facebook page, Amics d’en Roc i na Bet describes sterilisation as a step towards animal welfare.
In Porreres, Cintes’s hometown and place of work, there are seven cat colonies officially recognised by the town hall. Authorised volunteers appointed by the local council are responsible for feeding and caring for the cats. They notify the animal welfare organisation of newly arrived cats so that they can be neutered and treated against fleas and ticks. “Thanks to the volunteers, the cats are cared for,” emphasises the animal lover.
Cintes speaks enthusiastically about a relocation centre for feral cats in the neighbouring municipality of Vilafranca, which was set up by the local council there. After arrival, the animals become accustomed to their new surroundings in smaller cages before being moved to a larger outdoor enclosure with shelters, a feeding area and a resting area, where they can find shade in summer and protection from the rain in winter. “We would like something like that in Porreres as well,” says the Mallorcan.
“Animals are my life and mean absolutely everything to me,” says Miquela Cintes, who calls for greater empathy towards other living beings. Animals have feelings, she says, and she hopes “that people will become more responsible and understand that the decision to take on an animal must endure in good times and in bad”.
How to Support Amics d’en Roc i na Bet
The association Amics d’en Roc i na Bet, founded by veterinary surgeon Miquela Cintes in Porreres, relies on community support to care for feral and abandoned cats. Contributions help cover veterinary treatment, sterilisation, food, and shelter.
Adopt: Opening your home to a rescued animal creates space for another to be cared for.
Donate: Financial support directly funds medical care and daily needs.
- IBAN: ES86 2056 0011 8221 3493 3627
Share: Raising awareness helps the organisation reach more potential adopters and supporters.
-
Contact:
Email: aarocibet@gmail.com
Instagram: @amicsrocibet
Facebook: Amics d'en Roc i na Bet
Your support enables the safe care and wellbeing of cats across Mallorca.
COOPERATION WITH TUI
Support from the tourism industry: the video-project is sponsored by Europe's leading tourism group Tui and its Tui Care Foundation. The initiative was founded in 2016 with the aim of supporting sustainable projects in the destinations. The foundation focuses on the potential of the tourism sector as a driver of social development, education and prosperity. The Group promotes sustainable tourism in cooperation with local people.