The Cabildo of Lanzarote and La Graciosa held this Wednesday, October 28, the Island Meeting on Animal Welfare, a conference that brought together municipal representatives, veterinary professionals, security forces, protection associations, and volunteers to analyze the main needs in animal protection, with the aim of improving the coordination of actions carried out on both islands.
The session, held in the Plenary Hall of the Institution, was attended by the Minister of Animal Welfare, Armando Santana, the mayor of Santa María de Guía de Gran Canaria, Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira; the president of the Hunting Society of Lanzarote, Antonio Félix Fernández; the first sergeant and head of the detachment of the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA), Gloria Moreno, as well as councilors and technical staff from the town councils, among others.
Also attending were the coordinator of the Island Program for the Management of Urban Feline Colonies of the College of Veterinarians of Las Palmas, Braulio Granado; the lawyer Alejandro Díaz; the consultant Laura Castro; and other people linked to animal defense entities and the voluntary care of community cats.
Management of feline colonies
One of the main issues addressed was the implementation of the CER method (Capture, Sterilization, and Return), aimed at the ethical control of community cat populations, to analyze criteria, procedures, and budgets for grants allocated to town councils to develop this system.
The conference also allowed for an examination of competitive grant aid for animal protection associations, in addition to addressing other technical issues with the participation of the College of Veterinarians of Las Palmas.
Regulations, awareness, and new initiatives
Another topic discussed during the meeting was the modification of the Hunting Law, with special attention to its repercussions on animal welfare and the necessary coordination between administrations and the sectors involved.
In relation to good practices, the model for regulating the use of pyrotechnics implemented in a municipality in Gran Canaria was presented as a reference for reducing the disturbances that these devices cause to animals.
On the other hand, they also discussed the lines of action for the Pet Friendly project, aimed at enabling spaces adapted for pets and promoting tourism that favors coexistence with companion animals.
Finally, they also addressed the training for veterinarians and clinic assistants scheduled for November 27, a day that seeks to reinforce their knowledge and improve animal care. The meeting concluded with a dialogue where participants could resolve doubts, exchange experiences, and propose ideas to improve coordination and joint work on animal welfare in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The Minister of Animal Welfare, Armando Santana, highlighted the importance of maintaining direct dialogue with those who know the needs of each municipality to "establish common criteria that facilitate the work of all those involved." Thus, he emphasized that "our goal is to make better use of available resources and move towards more effective, respectful, and adapted management to the reality of this area in Lanzarote and La Graciosa."
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