Llubí Sets Upper Limits for Pets – Cats Must Be Neutered

New Animal Welfare Rules in Llubí: Fewer Strays, Clearer Limits

You can feel it in the town: In the square in front of the church, people have been talking more about dogs, cats, and annoyed neighbors since July. Llubí, a quiet village in the island's interior, has now officially limited the number of permitted pets per household and decided on several measures for free-roaming cats. The ordinance was adopted by the local town council and recently published in the Balearic Islands' official gazette (BOIB).

What changes

In apartments in the town center there will in the future be a maximum of three pets allowed – this includes dogs, cats and comparable animals. Those living in a detached single-family home may keep up to five pets. The municipality reserves the right to grant exceptions depending on living space and neighborhood situation.

Another change that will be noticeable for many: cats with outdoor access must be neutered or sterilized. The aim is to gradually reduce the number of stray animals. To this end Llubí plans a program based on the 'catch, neuter, release' (TNR) principle, to be organized by the municipality and recognized volunteers.

Protection, Prohibitions and Sanctions

The killing of stray cats is explicitly prohibited, except in cases of clear veterinary necessity. Animals can be confiscated in exceptional cases; fines of up to €3,000 are possible for serious violations. In less severe cases, the statute also provides for alternatives such as community service or mandatory animal welfare training.

Furthermore, the council has not approved certain places for animals: playgrounds and smaller balconies or terraces (under 50 square meters) should remain animal-free. The municipality justifies this with hygiene, noise and safety considerations – especially when it gets loud again from barking dogs in the evening or uncontrolled cat colonies on the plaza.

What residents say

Some residents welcome the clear rules; others see bureaucracy and fear door-to-door checks. The recognition and collaboration with volunteers who care for cat colonies is praised by all sides as a positive point. In the end, as heard often at the nine o'clock weekly market, many simply want a respectful coexistence: enough space, clean streets, and that the animals do not suffer.

Anyone living in Llubí or owning a house here should read the ordinance and check whether their pet population complies with the new requirements – and perhaps drop by the town hall before the next evening stroll at the plaza becomes a topic of conversation.