Valencia Launches City-Wide animal welfare Study with University collaboration
VALENCIA, SPAIN – The Valencia city Council is partnering with CEU Cardenal Herrera University too conduct a comprehensive study on urban animal coexistence, aiming to solidify Valencia’s position as a responsible “Pet Friendly” city. Councilor Juan Carlos Caballero announced the initiative this week following a meeting with over 50 student and volunteer participants.
The ”macro-concentrate” on animal welfare will involve volunteers carrying out three survey models across Valencia’s districts and neighborhoods. These surveys will assess the relationship between residents and their pets in various public spaces, including canine recreational areas, parks, streets, and establishments.
“It is the first serious and rigorous study on urban-animal coexistence in València that we carry out with the aim of consolidating ourselves as a friendly city with pets – Pet Friendly – from duty, without conflicts or improvisations,” Caballero stated.
The project, supported by a 10,000 euro investment, will provide a “real photograph” of the current situation, informing future actions and policy reviews. Volunteers, identifiable by blue t-shirts, will begin data collection this month, also soliciting proposals and ideas from residents.
Esperanza Montaner, director of the CEU Cardenal Herrera Veterinary Hospital in Valencia, and Jesús Cardells, veterinary professor and coordinator of the Saigas Research Group at the university, joined Caballero in presenting the initiative.
Caballero emphasized the broader benefits of investing in animal welfare, stating, “when invested in animals we are also investing in the human being, in a unique worldwide concept of health, the so-called One Health; that is, we are investing in coexistence, public health and the well-being of all.”
the study will evaluate Valencia’s infrastructure, accessibility, and overall adaptation to the challenges of being a Pet Friendly city.
