What is the C.E.R. Project?
The Benissa Town Council, through the Department of Animal Welfare and in collaboration with local associations, implements the C.E.R. project (Capture, Neuter, Return) for the ethical management of feral cat colonies, in accordance with the municipal animal protection ordinance.
Objectives
- Ensure animal welfare
- Protect public health
- Improve coexistence among residents
What is a controlled cat colony?
A controlled cat colony is a group of unowned cats living in a specific area whose population is managed through the C.E.R. method.
- Cats are captured, neutered, and dewormed at veterinary centres
- They are identified by a small mark on the ear
- After recovery, they are returned to their environment
- They are cared for by authorised caregivers approved by the Town Council
Why are they returned to their environment?
Feral cats are not socialised to live with people and are therefore not suitable for adoption.
Additionally, removing a colony causes the so-called “vacuum effect”:
- The space is occupied by new animals
- Population control is lost
- Problems increase
Benefits of controlled colonies
- No new litters → population control
- Reduced fighting, noise, and marking
- Natural reduction of pests (rodents and insects)
- Controlled feeding with dry food
- Clean and monitored environments
- Detection of abandoned or sociable cats
Important
- Abandoning, mistreating, or disturbing animals is prohibited
- Feeding without authorisation is a serious offence
These actions may lead to penalties under:
- Law 2/2023 on Animal Welfare
- Criminal Code
- Municipal Ordinance
Would you like to collaborate?
To care for feline colonies, you must:
✔️ Be part of a registered association
✔️ Apply for authorisation as a caregiver via the Town Council’s Electronic Office
If you are an authorised caregiver…
You must:
- Comply with current regulations
- Always carry your accreditation and identification documents
- Participate in municipal training
- Act as a link between residents and public authorities
- Feed only with dry food
- Keep the area clean
- Remove food remains
- Report incidents, litters, or new cats
- Notify any withdrawal at least 15 days in advance and in writing
Feline colonies in Benissa
Managed by Pluto:
- Camí Cases Sardí
- Train Station
- Assagador Berdica
- Bar Cañís / Sant Jaume
- Piscina Llobarro
- C/ Palaia
- C/ Rajada
- C/ Canari
- La Fustera area
- C/ Asturias
Managed by Adopta:
- C/ Grau
- C/ Orxelles
- Camí Orxelles
- Tanatori
- Carretera Hocedesa
- Colorins
- C/ Benidoleig
- C/ Alacant
- Av. l’Alcúdia
- C/ Benigembla
- C/ Gabriel Miró
- C/ Virgen de los Dolores
- C/ Dr. Crespo
- Industrial Estate 1
- Industrial Estate 2
- Adopta
- C/ Pou d’Avall
Volunteers:
- C/ Castelló de la Plana – C/ Xàbia
- C/ Escoto – Music School
- Lavadero Santa Ana
- Partida Quisi
