Municipalities can submit their applications until November 12, following the publication of the call for applications in the Official Gazette of the Province of Zaragoza (BOPZ). The grants will allow municipalities to plan and organize the care of these colonies, as well as control their population.
WHAT EXPENSES ARE COVERED BY THE GRANTS
Eligible expenses include sterilizations, with a maximum of 170 euros per female cat and 75 euros per male cat, as well as treatment related to these procedures. Identification by microchip is also covered, with a limit of 55 euros per animal, along with deworming and vaccinations.
The grants also cover the purchase of trap cages and other legal means of capture and transportation, as well as water bowls, food bowls and materials for feeding the colonies. A maximum of 1,000 euros may be allocated to the purchase of food. In addition, activities to inform and raise awareness among residents and train staff responsible for caring for these colonies may be funded.
SUPPORT FOR TOWNS WITH FEWER RESOURCES
The provincial environment representative, Miguel Sanz, explained that the plan was created after identifying the difficulties many municipalities face in caring for feral cat colonies. Sanz stressed that this work “is a matter of animal welfare, but also of neighborly coexistence and municipal responsibility.” Through these grants, the DPZ aims to facilitate compliance with regulations and help towns protect animals while taking residents’ needs into account.
