Malaga animal rights association says third hospital construction endangers cat colony

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Another cat association, however, states that the construction companies are handling the animals' needs accordingly and that controlling the cats' environment and freedom would constitute animal abuse

José Antonio Sau

Thursday, 26 March 2026, 12:07

One of Malaga's cat protecton groups (Asociación Gatos) has filed a complaint with the provincial prosecution stating that construction of a third hospital has begun without relocating the existing cat colony in the Hospital Civil outdoor car park. Other animal rights organisations, however, don't share the same opinion.

According to Asociación Gatos, the work endangers the cat colony. Consequently, the prosecutor has ordered that the court of first instance determine whether the actions constitute a crime of animal abuse.

The prosecutor, quoting the association, says that the adaptation of the car park and its surrounding area "are seriously endangering a feline colony registered" by Malaga city council. According to the complaint, those responsible for the construction works should have relocated the colony under vet supervision and after authorisation.

Furthermore, the veterinarian's report accompanying the complaint indicates that this action "poses a potential and irreversible risk to the cats". The complainant has requested the precautionary suspension of the works.

Adrián Peña Botello - the lawyer representing the association - told SUR the responsible parties have not ensured the animals' safety or sealed off the area. According to him, the consulted vet has warned that the animals might flee or abandon their kittens. In fact, he reported that "many of the cats have already disappeared".

Response

SUR also spoke with president of the Asociación Amigo Animal (Aman) Mariola Aguilar, who doesn't share the other association's stance. Aguilar said that they have been working for months with Hospital Regional and the construction companies to minimise the impact of the work on the cats and ensure their safety.

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