Enhancements in Animal Welfare in Fuerteventura
Animal welfare efforts continue to gain momentum in Fuerteventura, showcasing a community committed to improving the lives of its furry residents. Recently, the Mancomunidad de Municipios Centro Sur announced an upcoming campaign aimed at controlling feline colonies, while the Ayuntamiento Puerto del Rosario has been proactive in sharing details about its sterilization program. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote animal welfare throughout the region.
Comprehensive Welfare Initiatives
Since May 2025, the municipality has entrusted GESPLAN, a public enterprise, with an impressive budget exceeding €300,000 dedicated to comprehensive animal welfare management. This initiative focuses on improving the facilities at the Albergue Municipal, also known as the Municipal Shelter, and expanding the specialized workforce.
The upgrades made to the shelter include the acquisition of new materials, enhanced veterinary services, and improved living conditions for the animals. The local government emphasizes a model of integrated and coordinated management, involving collaboration among various stakeholders including administrations, professionals, and volunteers.
Visita al Albergue Municipal de animales de Puerto del Rosario.
Around-the-Clock Care
The Mayor of Puerto del Rosario, David de Vera, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that the funding allows the municipality to comply with animal welfare regulations while covering essential needs such as 24-hour emergency care, veterinary attention, and management of stray and abandoned pets.
The Councillor for Animal Welfare, Tacoremi Gutiérrez, following a visit to the shelter with the mayor and technical team, reported that over 118 interventions involving dogs and cats have been executed in collaboration with the Local Police and SEPRONA (the Nature Protection Service). These interventions include sterilizations and identification of abandoned animals to facilitate their adoption or return to their owners.
Visita al Albergue Municipal de animales de Puerto del Rosario.
Expansion of Resources and Manpower
Alejandro Suárez, the head of the Animal Welfare department at GESPLAN, stressed the importance of the municipality’s responsibilities regarding the Animal Protection Center. According to new legislation, municipalities have extensive competencies in managing feline colonies, facilitating adoptions, and addressing issues related to lost or abandoned animals. With its own operating room, the center can implement the Capture, Sterilize, and Release (CER) method for controlling community cats and conducting frequent sterilizations.
The shelter’s staff has expanded significantly, increasing from three to six employees, which includes three operators, two veterinary assistants, and one veterinarian. Volunteering also plays a critical role, with individuals visiting daily to walk dogs and enhance their socialization. Gutiérrez emphasized that the ultimate goal is to reduce the number of animals in the shelter while increasing the number of pets in responsible homes through community awareness.
Promoting Adoption and Community Involvement
In a bid to facilitate adoptions, a dedicated website has been launched. The site provides valuable information about the animals available for adoption, allowing interested individuals to view profiles and images of potential new companions. People can visit www.albergueanimalespuertodelrosario.com for further details and updates, and the shelter’s activities can also be followed on Instagram through the handle @alberguepuertodelrosario.
For those interested in learning more about the feline colony control program and the CER method, GESPLAN can be contacted at 650 38 74 79 for additional information.
La concejala de Bienestar Animal, Tacoremi Gutiérrez.
This comprehensive approach towards animal welfare in Fuerteventura not only reflects a commitment to the wellbeing of animals but also fosters a sense of community responsibility towards our furry friends.
