The Balearic Hunting Federation and the Sant Josep Hunters’ Society have issued a statement accusing animal associations of “flooding Ibiza with abandoned cats” and creating a growing problem of poor hygiene, road safety risks and biodiversity loss.
In the letter, the organisations call on local administrations and the Consell de Ibiza to take “decisive and effective” action to stop what they describe as a “social and environmental nonsense”. According to the hunters, since the entry into force of the new Animal Welfare Law in September 2023, some animal groups have promoted the management of so-called “community cats” without any control or identification, feeding them on both private property and public streets. ” “The result”, they claim, “is an uncontrolled proliferation of ownerless cats, causing nuisance to residents, risks to wildlife and creating unhealthy urban and rural environments”.
Criticism of the CER method and environmental impact
The hunters describe the implementation of the CER method (Capture, Sterilisation and Return) in Ibiza as “completely illegal” and claim that “there is not a single legally registered cat colony” on the island. They argue that animal associations “abandon cats under the pretext of population control” and that the feeding points are “nothing more than feeding grounds that perpetuate the problem”.
The statement also highlights the impact on biodiversity, noting that cats, even when neutered and fed, “retain their hunting instinct and decimate native species”. They cite Article 80 of Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, which prohibits the unauthorised release of domestic animals into the natural environment.
The organisations denounce that feeding animals on public roads is prohibited in several municipalities, yet some feeders continue to operate on private property. “Many garages, parks and schools are affected by cat droppings, urine and fleas”, they claim.
They add that this situation could have public health consequences, citing risks such as toxoplasmosis, ringworm and scabies, especially among children and the elderly.
Call to the authorities
The statement concludes by calling for coordinated action involving environmentalists, health authorities, veterinarians, the Consell de Ibiza and the hunting sector to address the problem comprehensively.
They propose reducing the birth rate through mass sterilisation and identification of cats, as well as eliminating feeding points where the animals congregate.
“If there are cats on your property and they cause any kind of problem, you will be the only one held responsible”, they warn, “because those who feed them will not show their faces”.