Stray animals have trebled in number in Yecla in the last 12 months
Last year, 530 abandoned dogs and cats were rescued from Yecla’s streets
Sadly, the number of pets abandoned throughout Spain continues to rise despite the introduction of the Animal Welfare Law last year, and Yecla is no exception. This was highlighted by health minister Patricia Soriano this week, who reported a considerable rise in strays in the last 12 months.
According to Ms Soriano’s figures, last year 273 dogs and 257 cats were picked up off the municipality’s streets, a total of 530 animals compared to 183 in 2022. Of these, the Spandy animal shelter re-homed 95 dogs and a further 115 were returned to their owners after being identified through their microchips.
Another 11 dogs weren’t microchipped, but their humans were located through other means. A further 200 cats and dogs were adopted by homes in different parts of Spain and even overseas.
The Minister highlighted the importance of identifying dogs, cats, and ferrets with microchips, as mandated by the law of September 27, 2023 on animal rights and welfare. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to 10,000 euros for pet owners.
Additionally, Ms Soriano drew attention to the severe public health issue arising from the feeding of stray cats. This practice is prohibited in Yecla but 37 volunteers have been enlisted to look after the municipality’s 51 feline colonies. The local government is in the process of implementing the CNR project (Capture, Neuter and Release), aimed at controlling the mass reproduction of these animals. Unregulated feeding of stray cats outside designated colonies, the minister reminded the public, poses a significant health risk and is subject to penalties.
In the last year alone, the council has spent more than 37,000 euros on actions such as sterilisation, veterinary expenses and investment in animal protection centres, with a further 40,000 going directly to the Spandy shelter.
"Having a pet is a free and personal decision but this implies a responsibility, a series of obligations, and not treating them as if they were a toy that you take or leave, you cannot abandon them," Ms Soriano concluded.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today
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Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
