Elche or Elx is a well-known municipality in Alicante for several reasons. Its famous and impressive palm grove, the largest in Europe, has more than 200,000 palm trees. This earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000. The town is also known for the sacred-lyrical drama performed every August 14 and 15 in its basilica: the Mystery of Elche. This unique work has been performed since the 15th century and was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. We must not forget its famous Lady, the Lady of Elche, the Iberian statue found near the town and now housed in the National Archaeological Museum.
We like Elche for all those reasons. But for the past few days, we like it even more. Because it has become the world's first “street cat friendly” city, that is, the first city to declare itself friendly to stray cats.
With the #Elxlovecats campaign (Elche loves cats), the town council has set out to raise residents' awareness so that they change the way they see and treat stray cats. To this end, the council highlights the role played by street cats in controlling rats, mice, and other pests.
Image: Elxlovescats
There are around 150 cat colonies in Elche. According to the town council, these felines are the ideal neighbors. Because they are discreet, clean, and quiet. Their presence does not bother anyone. On the contrary: they are part of city life and help maintain balance with rodents, insects, and pigeons. For all these reasons, the Department of Health and the communications and veterinary departments insist that all Elche's cats deserve the respect and affection of the residents. At the same time, they are trying to eradicate behaviors that violate these animals' rights and harm their health… and that unfortunately occur with some frequency.
Image: Elxlovescats
This is how the “#Elxlovescats” campaign, starring four stray cats from the city, came about. The campaign is based on the idea that naming a pet is a decisive moment. From then on, you love it more. That is why the town council chose four real cats, four street cats, four nameless cats… Although that is going to change. The campaign's goal is to find names for these four felines with the help of the residents' participation.
Image: Elxlovescats
To suggest or vote for the best name for these cats, as well as to learn more about the work of caregivers for managed colonies, the campaign includes a website, www.elxlovescats.com, as well as an Instagram account.
Without a doubt, this is an interesting and participatory initiative that shows the city's desire to do things differently and look after the well-being of all its pets—not only those living with families, but also those living in colonies, who are more disadvantaged and have less protection. After all, if you think about it for a second, who looks after street cats? That is why we want to show our support for Elche and tell them that we love the fact that they want to be “street cat friendly.”
If you also love cats and enjoyed reading this news from Elche, you will surely also enjoy learning about the grassroots initiative launched in Valencia as part of the DecidimVLC public consultation.