Elche or Elx is a municipality in Alicante known for several reasons. Its famous and admirable Palm Grove, the largest in Europe, with more than 200,000 palm trees. A reason that earned it the declaration of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The town is also known for the sacred-lyrical drama staged every August 14 and 15 in its basilica: the Mystery Play 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 cannot forget its famous Lady, the Lady of Elche, the Iberian statue found near the town and housed in the National Archaeological Museum.
We like Elche for all these reasons. But for a few days now, we like it even more. Because it has become the world's first "street cat friendly" city, meaning the first city to declare itself a friend to street cats.
With the #Elxlovecats (Elche loves cats) campaign, the city council aims to raise awareness among residents to change their way of looking at and treating street cats. To this end, the council emphasizes the role played by street felines in controlling rats, mice, and other pests.
Image: Elxlovescats
There are about 150 cat colonies in Elche. According to the city council, these felines are ideal neighbors. Because they are discreet, clean, and quiet. Their presence does not bother anyone. On the contrary: they are part of the city's life and help maintain balance with rodents, insects, and pigeons. For all these reasons, the health department and the communication and veterinary areas insist that all cats in Elche deserve the respect and affection of the residents. While also trying to eradicate behaviors that violate the rights of these animals and threaten their health... which unfortunately occur quite frequently.
Image: Elxlovescats
This is how the “#Elxlovescats” campaign, starring four street cats from the city, emerged. The campaign is based on the idea that naming a pet is a decisive moment. From that moment on, you love it more. That's why the city council has chosen four real cats, four street cats, four nameless cats... Although that is about to change. The campaign's objective is to find a name for these four felines, with the participation of residents.
Image: Elxlovescats
To propose or vote for the best name for these cats, as well as to learn more about the work of controlled colony caregivers, the campaign has a website www.elxlovescats.com, as well as an Instagram account.
Without a doubt, this is an interesting and participatory initiative, which shows the city's willingness to do things differently, to ensure the well-being of all its pets, not only those that live in families, but also those that live in colonies, are more disadvantaged, and have less protection. Because, if you think about it for a second, who cares about street cats? That's why, from here, we want to show our support for Elche and tell them that we love that they want to be "street cat friendly."
If you also love cats and enjoyed reading this news from Elche, you will surely also like to learn about the popular initiative that has been launched in Valencia, as part of the DecidimVLC public consultation.