On October 9, 2026, Madrid's Mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, presided over a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the Animal Protection Center (Centro de Protección Animal, CPA), part of the municipal organization Madrid Salud. The event underscored the institutional commitment to animal welfare and the significant work of the center, which has become an essential instrument for animal protection in the city.
One of the center's main priorities is to promote responsible adoption, successfully integrating over 20,000 dogs and cats into new homes over the past two decades. Additionally, the Municipal Emergency Veterinary Service (SEVEMUR) has rescued and cared for more than 75,000 abandoned or lost animals during this time.
Attendees at the ceremony included Deputy Mayor and Security and Emergencies Delegate Inma Sanz, councilors, and representatives from various institutions and organizations linked to animal protection. The CPA was recognized as a pioneering center that has undergone significant transformation, becoming a national reference for its design, staff, equipment, and operational protocols.
The center's activities include the management and care of abandoned animals, especially those whose owners face vulnerable situations, intervention in cases of animal hoarding (known as Noé syndrome), and continuous care for the animals housed at the center. Furthermore, the CPA conducts identification and location of pet owners, rabies observation, and maintains a registry of potentially dangerous animals.
During the commemorative event, several institutions were acknowledged for their efforts, receiving trophies featuring various animals and the bear and the strawberry tree, symbols of the city. The awardees included the Affinity Foundation, Voluntari@s por Madrid, and the Cañada Project, recognized for their commitment to animal welfare and responsible adoption.
