Southern Gran Canaria is back in the spotlight with a serious complaint: an alleged poisoning at Colonia 50, one of the municipality's cat colonies. This situation has rekindled the controversy surrounding the management of cat colonies and the institutional violence that, according to groups and citizens like Acción Felina Colonia 50 de Tirajana, is being promoted by both the Gran Canaria Island Council and the Canary Islands Government.
Various animal rights platforms and advocates have reported that these administrations have halted direct management of the colonies, creating a climate of hostility and lack of protection for cats living in urban and natural spaces. The complaint points to a systematic strategy of control and persecution, in which not only poisoning has been reported, but also legal action against those attempting to formally register new colonies with their municipalities.
In some cases, even the Seprona (National Police) has been mobilized, indicating that these institutions are using public resources to persecute cat advocates and caregivers, thus intensifying an atmosphere of conflict and fear among those involved in animal protection.
Faced with this situation, the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council has responded swiftly and with commitment, addressing the complaint and taking the necessary steps to investigate the incident. This response has been appreciated by the affected groups and residents, who hope that responsibilities will be clarified and measures adopted to prevent these episodes of institutional violence and animal abuse from continuing.
The controversy at Colonia 50 highlights the urgent need for clear, humane, and respectful policies for the management of feline colonies, as well as recognition of the volunteer work that many people do in defense of these animals.
