Volunteer caregivers in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta report that cat colonies are vanishing, dead animals are turning up cut apart, and birds such as pigeons and seagulls are being found half-devoured in the weeks since tens of thousands of migrants poured across the border from Morocco.
Nearly three weeks after the mass invasion, local reports describe cats displaced or missing, and carcasses discovered in disturbing conditions. Caregivers who have continued feeding the animals daily say the damage is already severe.
One volunteer administrator, identified as Merelo, told La Gaceta she has found “many dead cats, cut,” some missing half their body or pierced with a punch, along with mistreated animals.
She has also located pigeons and seagulls that were half-eaten, though she said she did not personally witness anyone consuming them.
“When the people entered, the cats left their habitat, as happens in any natural space,” she explained. Merelo noted that Muslims traditionally show respect for cats, but among the new arrivals are people of sub-Saharan origin from various backgrounds.
The same pattern of disappearance is detailed in an account published by El Faro de Ceuta. Author Ángel Ruiz, writing in support of the volunteer caregivers, stated that the harm caused to the cat colonies “is great and, in many cases, irreparable.”
Cats have left areas now occupied by migrants. “It can be said clearly that cats are missing. Where are they? As of today, no one knows,” the caregivers summarize.
Hellbound and Down 