The Consorci de la Ribera, together with the associations of municipalities of Ribera Alta, Ribera Baixa and Safor, has organised a training course for local council staff. This initiative was aimed at mayors, councillors, technical staff of local councils and local police officers from the municipalities affiliated to the Animal Shelter managed by the Consorci de la Ribera, in which the three associations participate.
The course lasted two days and was taught by the Animal Welfare Coordinator of the Valencian Community. Toni Barea, president of the Consorci de la Ribera, opened the first session. Paqui Momparler Orta, president of the Mancomunitat de la Ribera Alta, also attended.
The content of the first session focused on six points: legal context, types of animals and specific regimes, animal protection organisations, pet management, animal euthanasia and treatment, and cat colonies. The speakers were Mª Luisa Sierra, a lawyer specialising in administrative law, and Ángela Molina, president of the Animal Welfare Coordination Group, who participated in the drafting of Law 2/2023 of 13 March on the protection, welfare and ownership of companion animals and other animal welfare measures in the Valencian Community. In addition, the Consorci de la Ribera gave a presentation on the Tavernes de la Valldigna Animal Shelter.
The second session covered five topics: the powers of public administrations, education and responsibility in animal ownership, regulation of activities, action against abuse and the legal consequences of non-compliance. The presentations were given by Amparo Requena, president of the Valencian Association of Lawyers for the Defence of Animals, and Arturo González, head of the Environment Unit of the Valencia Local Police.
With this training initiative, the Consorci de la Ribera and the associations of municipalities of Ribera Alta, Ribera Baixa and Safor are reinforcing their commitment to animal welfare and compliance with the law. Sixty-five municipalities in the three regions are affiliated with the Animal Shelter Service, which opened its first facilities in Tavernes de la Valldigna in 2025 and will soon open a second centre in l’Alcúdia.
