Disqualifications are on the agenda between those who claim that these colonies have survived and scientists who have warned of the damage they cause to biodiversity. To understand the problem and find a solution, 3 keys should be considered:
1º Are those who have cats guilty? People who care for cat colonies are not responsible for their existence. They take care of abandoned animals on the street just because they were born there or someone abandoned them.
2º Is the Scientific Community lying? What scientists say about the presence of these cats on public roads and the damage they cause to native fauna is based on indisputable, objective population data and numerous studies. It is science, not belief.
3º Solutions? No matter how difficult, consensus must be sought between both positions. The tools used to control the cat population so far have not worked, but are not well implemented. It is urgent to initiate appropriately developed sterilization programs with technical criteria that require sterilization of all members of a colony, or at least all females. This will prevent the birth of new offspring. In addition, colonies should be marked, checked and, if necessary, controlled by an effective surveillance system using cameras. The aim is that a new animal is not abandoned here and if it has been abandoned, it can be quickly found and neutered. It will also be important for them to be vaccinated, dewormed and diagnosed with a chip while they are neutered.
Obviously, town halls to manage and direct all this municipality should include veterinarians in their staff to ensure, among other functions, the proper implementation of said programs. This figure is very important in this and many other matters.
If the above are fulfilled, the number of cat colonies will not increase, effective control and maintenance can be done. This will avoid the problems posed by the scientific community and will of course mean the protection of all animals, including cats.