The Town Hall of Torrevieja has launched a new campaign aimed at fostering pet identification among residents. This initiative is visible across numerous public spaces in the town, particularly on advertising boards, veterinary clinics, and pet shops. The campaign encourages pet owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets to ensure that their animals are properly identified, which is crucial in case they go missing or escape during emergencies.

As part of the campaign, the municipal department of Animal Protection is also advocating for the sterilisation of cats older than six months. This measure is legally required and aims to prevent these cats from potentially forming feral colonies, thereby controlling the community cat population. Each year, hundreds of unidentified cats arrive at the Municipal Shelter, and many are lost, leaving them unable to reunite with their owners.

Moreover, given the influx of citizens and international tourists with pets visiting Torrevieja, effective communication about pet identification is essential. Pet owners are encouraged to register their animals in the Valencian Community database, RIVIA, to ensure their details are available in case their pets go missing. The ultimate goal of this campaign is to underline the importance of pet identification as a key measure to combat animal abandonment and to build a more empathetic and responsible community.

According to Concha Sala, the Councillor for Animal Protection, this campaign will highlight the critical role identification plays in ensuring the safety and return of beloved pets, urging pet owners to take proactive steps in safeguarding their animal companions.