Mallorca: fines against animal feeding

People and tourists who enjoy offering any kind of cat food or bread crumbs to pigeons should give up the habit if they would like their stay in the Spanish town of Sa Pobla on the Mallorca Island (Balearic Islands) to be in accordance with the legislation, writes the Spanish newspaper ABC.

The local council unanimously approved an amendment for the Ordinance of good governance that the people who will feed street animals can be fined up to 3,000 euros. As recently published by the local newspaper "Ultima Hora", the main objective of this amendment is to remove the dirty spots points from the streets and to respond to local complaints emerged in recent months. Penalties that will be imposed may vary between 60 and 3,000 euros. The highest fine will apply only in cases of recidivism. This decision makes a distinction between small mistakes, serious and very serious ones.

The law article built for the Ordinance of good governance states that it is forbidden to give food to animals in the streets and public spaces, as well as windows, terraces, balconies and adjacent public road and near crowded places, except where indicated by the City Hall.

The same article states that it is forbidden to give food to cats, pigeons and seagulls. It is also forbidden to leave the animals to drink water directly from wells or public wells. After approval of this amendment, the city council is considering to establish areas where food may be given to cats on the street.