Llubí sets upper limits for pets: Between order, fear and opportunity

Llubí sets upper limits for pets: Between order, fear and opportunity

When the bells of the Iglesia de Llubí ring between conversations on the plaza, pet issues have been discussed more often in recent weeks: How many animals may I keep? Who pays for the neutering? The new municipal ordinance, in effect since July, sets clear numbers: a maximum of three pets per apartment in the town center, and up to five in detached single-family houses. Outdoor cats must be neutered or sterilized. On paper this sounds like sensible regulation — but in everyday village life many questions and pitfalls arise.

The key question: regulation or displacement?

The central question is simple: will the ordinance lead to better animal welfare and fewer strays — or will it shift problems elsewhere and ultimately affect people and animals who are already vulnerable? In the short term, limits can ease neighborhood conflicts. But who checks the form, who verifies neutering certificates, and what happens if owners miss the deadlines? A mere rule can easily turn into sanctions instead of support.

What is often overlooked in the debate

At the market many first talk about fines — up to €3,000 are on the table — or whether evening dog walks are still allowed. Less attention is paid to what neutering means logistically and financially. Veterinarians on Mallorca are not an abundant resource, and a well-functioning TNR program (trap–neuter–return) requires transport, aftercare and expertise. There is also a silent consequence: those who cannot keep their animals may surrender them — and that can overwhelm shelters.

Risks that are not voiced loudly enough

Without accompanying measures, two dangerous scenarios open up: either homeless animals move to neighboring towns — a displacement effect that benefits no one — or a market for illegal keeping emerges. Volunteers who care for cat colonies could be demotivated by fear of inspections. Older people who have cared for a colony for years would be particularly affected if they lack paperwork or are intimidated by bureaucracy. And the small city flat with a balcony — often hygienically challenging but practically hard to replace — ends up in a conflict between rules and reality.

Concrete opportunities — but only with good implementation

The ordinance does have potential: with a wisely designed package of measures it can promote sterilizations, clarify responsibilities and reduce the number of truly homeless animals. The crucial point is that Llubí does not stop at bans but actively accompanies implementation. Mobile campaigns, financial support and a binding cooperation with volunteers could turn the regulation into a real solution.

Suggestions for socially compatible implementation

1. Subsidized neutering – Vouchers or grants for people with low incomes would lower the barrier and prevent animals being surrendered for financial reasons.

2. Mobile clinic days – Quarterly operations in the market or church square where animals can quickly be microchipped and neutered. This is practical, visible and reduces transport problems.

3. Gradual introduction and grace periods – Transition times give owners breathing room to organize paperwork and cover costs. Immediate threats of fines otherwise feel like intimidation rather than help.

4. Support for volunteers – Recognition, liability arrangements, equipment (traps, first-aid supplies) and training. Many helpers know every cat colony by name; their experience should be institutionalized.

5. Transparent registry and appeal procedures – Microchips, an easily accessible register and clear appeal deadlines prevent arbitrariness and create accountability without criminalizing people.

What people on the street say

At the weekly market you hear both: relief about clear rules, but also frustration. While the cicadas chirp and the scent of fresh ensaïmada drifts over the plaza, many wish for practical solutions: affordable neutering, respectful inspections and fewer barking dogs on hot summer evenings. An older woman who has fed a small colony for years fears fines because she cannot gather the paperwork. A young father simply wants safe places for his children to play.

Llubí has taken the first step. Whether there will be fewer strays and more peace in the end depends on whether the municipality fills the ordinance with humanity, financial relief and organizational support. Without such accompaniment, a well-intentioned rule can quickly become an edict that creates trouble — not less animal suffering.