The case of the feline colony on Via Giulio Cesare, in front of the cemetery, is a case in point. It is effectively blocking the start of a construction site for a shopping center. The historic home of a dozen cats, registered with the Municipality and the Local Health Authority Veterinary Service in 2024, is located in an alley separating two private, fenced properties. It's still unclear whether that strip of land is private or not, and this is where the problems arise: because one of the two adjacent plots will be home to several large businesses, owned by multinationals, and the arrival of the construction vehicles has raised concerns about the colony's fate.

The clash

The Municipality would like to move the kennels elsewhere, and a few days ago offered volunteers a plot of land on Via Capo Comino. Animal rights activists deemed this solution unsafe for the cats' health. Before moving them, they would like more guarantees. A stalemate has developed, slowing the start of the work and creating tension, so much so that the Carabinieri were alerted yesterday. In the evening, the parties attempted to mend fences, seeking an agreement. "The administration is liaising with the local veterinary health authority, assessments are underway, and we are awaiting responses from the relevant authorities to find a solution that guarantees the cats' safety," explains Saverio De Roma, Councilor for Animal Welfare.

The animal rights activists

The animal rights activists of Leidaa, through their president Anna Rita Salaris, also made it clear that they are "available for a peaceful meeting to find a solution that satisfies everyone, in compliance with the law: Article 38 of the Municipality's Animal Rights Regulations establishes that any relocations may only be carried out for proven health needs or reasons of public interest. In a spirit of collaboration, we would like to sit down at the table to identify a suitable area. The one on Via Capo Comino does not guarantee safety because it lacks a proper fence or shaded areas for shelter, and the land floods during rainy periods."

The negotiations

Local police commander Mauro Soru is also monitoring the situation. "The colony isn't located on the site where it will be built, but the transit of heavy vehicles would pose a risk to the cats. For this reason, we're considering finding another space, in consultation with those responsible for the area, identifying a nearby site that guarantees greater safety. Whoever needs to carry out the work will be able to do so, and the colony will be protected; there won't be any problems."

David Lao

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