The Animal Welfare Service (SBA) of Sadeco has attended a total of 708 animals in Cordoba during the first half of 2026, a figure slightly lower than in the same period of 2025 (729 entries). The reduction in animals collected in abandonment situations stands out, with 506 cases compared to 518 cases recorded between January and June 2025, indicating a positive trend in the decrease of pet abandonment in the city.
The president of Sadeco, Miguel Ruiz Madruga, highlighted that these figures reflect the effectiveness of awareness and responsibility policies in animal ownership. "Behind every number there is an animal that needs care and a family that must assume a lifelong commitment to their pet," he stated, adding that reducing abandonment means "moving towards a more responsible and respectful city for animal welfare."
Sadeco recalls the annual campaign 'On vacation, do not abandon,' which aims to raise public awareness about the importance of planning and responsibility towards pets, especially during periods of travel and routine changes typical of summer.
Since the entry into force of Law 7/2023 on the Rights and Welfare of Animals, the SBA has reinforced the criteria for animals surrendered by owners, limiting these cases to justified situations to prevent abandonment and promote responsible alternatives.
One of the center's main challenges remains animal identification. Approximately 85% of incoming animals lack identification, which hinders the location of their owners and the speed of their recovery. Sadeco emphasizes the importance of microchips and updated data.
The center's care capacity remains stable, with an average of 334 animals housed in 2026 compared to 360 in 2025. The veterinary team has sterilized more than three-quarters of the sheltered animals. The adoption rate is high, with 170 animals finding new homes and 119 transferred to collaborating shelters.
The management of lost animals also shows a positive trend, with a decrease in entries from 112 to 86 cases and a slight improvement in the average time until recovery by their owners (from 9.69 to 9.40 days), confirming the importance of identification.
Furthermore, the SBA develops prevention and population control programs, such as the feline colony management plan using the TNR method (Trap, Neuter, Return). Cordoba currently has approximately 350 controlled feline colonies and over 7,000 cats sterilized, dewormed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
