Mayor Javi Molina explained that the current ordinance was obsolete and a new regulatory framework was needed. The existing regulation, he detailed, allowed fines exceeding legal limits for municipalities and assigned sanctions to a Generalitat body that has since changed its name. Furthermore, it prohibits feeding street cats, contrary to the feline colony management protocol.
The new text provides regulatory coverage and legal security for volunteers and entities caring for the municipality's cat colonies. Key measures include mandatory civil liability insurance for dog owners, microchipping and sterilization of cats before 6 months (except registered breeders), and a maximum of 5 pets per household.
It also prohibits permanently keeping dogs and cats on balconies, terraces, patios, storage rooms, or vehicles. Additionally, it reinforces the obligation to collect excrement and clean urine, and prohibits feeding pigeons, seagulls, and other urban wild animals in public areas, as well as community cats, except by authorized volunteers.
The ordinance also establishes access restrictions to municipal facilities such as schools, kindergartens, fountains, football fields, sports courts, swimming pools, cemeteries, children's play areas, and riverbank areas used for bathing, with exceptions for assistance dogs. The Town Council may also designate other areas where dogs must be leashed.
Regarding cat colonies, only authorized individuals or entities can manage them, and their removal or relocation will require prior authorization. Potentially dangerous dogs must be kept on a leash of less than 2 meters and wear an approved muzzle, in addition to having a specific administrative license.
The sanctioning regime includes fines within legal limits, with the possibility of substituting a first minor infraction with educational or community service actions, subject to the interested party's consent. The preliminarily approved text will be publicly displayed for 30 business days in the Official Gazette of the Province of Girona for consultation and submission of claims.
