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Alley Cat Allies is on the forefront of issues impacting cats – actively tracking, investigating, and exposing threats to cats across the country, as well as announcing successes that promote cats’ well-being. We bring breaking news to our advocates, keeping them informed and poised for action around critical issues affecting cats locally and nationwide. Check back for alerts and information about new publications, research, and events. |
February 5, 2010 - Feral Cats Targeted by Tennessee Valley Authority
The “Rock Pile Cats” in Muscle Shoals, Alabama are almost all gone. Threatened with a trap and kill order, these feral cats’ only crime was living on Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) property. A spokesperson for the nation’s largest public power company said TVA will start “removing” the cats—and any others in its over 80,000 square miles of land—if private citizens don’t get rid of them themselves. Alley Cat Allies is taking action to ensure TVA understands the gravity of their plans and asking them to put a moratorium on their policy, and we need your help. We need information from caregivers on the ground to establish a record of all communication from TVA about their feral cat policy and report any violence to the cats. Please email us your contact information to alleycat@alleycat.org. We will keep all your information confidential. We are contacting TVA Headquarters and are asking for a moratorium on their policy so we can establish a humane plan and policy for the cats on their property. Stay tuned—we will update you on developments of this campaign, and let you know how you can help! Contact Alley Cat Allies with information on TVA cats.
Read more about the Rock Pile Cats. | February 5, 2010 - UPDATE: No moratorium on trapping for the cats of Evanston, IL
Thanks to all of our supporters who took action and spoke out on behalf of the cats in the city of Evanston. Despite repeated requests from Alley Cat Allies for a moratorium, the city refused to stop trapping—and only a handful of cats remain. We know that a local group has volunteered to relocate the few remaining cats who, we believe, are being held by animal control—a move welcomed by the city. The vast majority of the cats have already been trapped were killed. This is an extremely disappointing turn of events. Should the city accept the group’s offer, they will not be improving matters for their city or the cats. Trapping and killing is not a humane, or even realistic, way to care for feral cats. Relocation is equally unrealistic and ineffective. Alley Cat Allies does not support relocation as a viable solution because relocation is extremely difficult for the cats and does not act as a permanent solution. We continue to reach out to Evanston city officials to put a new and humane policy in place that will benefit both the cats and the community so that this event is never repeated—and we hope you will too. Evanston is “welcoming feedback” on this matter. Sound off about their horrible choices for feral cats.
On their blog: http://www.cityofevanston.org/blog/
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CityofEvanston
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CityofEvanston Read why relocation is not the answer. | February 4, 2010 - Share Your Love with a Fun and Festive eValentine!
 Valentine's Day is almost here! This month, tell your friends and family you love them by sending an eValentine from Alley Cat Allies. This is a great chance to tell your loved ones that you care, and that you share their compassion for cats. From cute, to romantic, to silly, we have eCards for all the special people in your life. Simply make a gift of $5 or more in our Valentine's Day Tribute Center and select an eCard. With your support, Alley Cat Allies will continue our vital work protecting and improving cats' lives throughout the country! Get your Valentine's Day eCard Today! | February 3, 2010 - Illinois: Ask Evanston, IL to Stop Killing Cats
The City of Evanston recently announced their plan to trap and kill a colony of feral cats. As soon as Alley Cat Allies heard of this decision we took action. Working with Tree House Humane Society, we called for an immediate moratorium on the trapping and killing and asked them to implement a humane plan. We are still waiting for a moratorium on the trapping. Illinois: Help the feral cats of Evanston and tell city officials today that catch and kill must stop. The trapping has been ongoing and we know cats have been caught and killed. Illinois: Take action on behalf of the remaining cats! Ask the city of Evanston to stop this senseless killing and work with Alley Cat Allies and local groups to put a humane plan in place for these cats. Residents of Illinois—Take Action!
Learn more about Alley Cat Allies' work in Chicago.
| February 2, 2010 - This is cruelty: FOUR feral cats fatally shot while peacefully eating
Four feral cats—two adults and two kittens—were brutally shot and killed while peacefully eating in Bridgetown, VA last Tuesday. They were well cared for and loved by their caregivers as part of a feral colony managed by the nonprofit Spay the Shore. This shocking act of heartlessness and violence is animal cruelty. Though these cats were not pets, they are protected under anti-cruelty laws that apply to all cats—pet, stray and feral—in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Studies show a strong link between violence to animals and violence to humans. The cats and their caregivers deserve justice. The person responsible for killing these cats should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Alley Cat Allies is in touch with Spay the Shore and the caregiver, and has submitted a letter to the editor of Eastern Shore News expressing our position, and calling for the person responsible for these crimes to be tried. Read the article.
Read more about the link between violence to animals and violence to humans.
Show support for the caregivers by posting a comment on our Facebook page. | February 1, 2010 - As winter winds down, Alley Cat Allies Offers Tips for “Kitten Season.”
Springtime is prime breeding season for stray and feral cats, and it’s just around the corner. Get educated about what to do if you come across a litter of kittens outdoors with Alley Cat Allies’ tips and guidelines. Read the Press Release.
View Sample Newsletter Article.
Learn How and When to Care for and Socialize Feral Kittens. | January 29, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Calls for a Stop to Mass-Trapping and Killing of Cats in Evanston, IL
The city of Evanston has enacting a plan to trap and kill feral cats in a large, local colony. Despite the fact that Trap-Neuter-Return is well established in their county, and many local resources exist, Evanston has decided to round-up and kill the feral cats. Alley Cat Allies has sent a letter to the city of Evanston offering our expert advice and assistance in establishing a humane and effective approach for Evanston's cats. We know Evanston's current plan of eradication is costly and will not work because of the vacuum effect. Evanston should know that there are better and humane ways to address feral cat populations in their city. Read a notice about Evanston's Plan.
Learn more about the resources available in the Chicago area. | January 29, 2010 - The votes are in! Meet OLIVER! 
It was a close vote, but the people have spoken! Our new office cat will be named Oliver. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think? Thank you all for participating! Look forward to seeing Oliver in our Alley Cat Allies LOLcats, posted every Friday! Visit Alley Cat Allies on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. | January 27, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies is getting a new office cat – help us give him a name!
 The national headquarters of Alley Cat Allies in Bethesda, MD is home to our beloved office cats. They enrich our lives with their antics (captured in our weekly LOLcats) and serve as a constant reminder of why we are here - to protect and improve the lives of cats. We are excited to announce that we will be adding a new member to our office cat family. He was found during Trap-Neuter-Return efforts at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project, part of our Every Kitty - Every City program. Help us give our new addition a name by take part in our naming contest. It’s easy: just visit our poll and vote for your favorite name. The winning name will be announced Friday, January 29th! Vote Now!
Adopt a special kitty of your own from the Boardwalk Cats Project. | January 22, 2010 - Animals need our help in the Disaster in Haiti
UPDATE: Our friends at Animal Balance have been working with SODOPRECA to assemble a group to help rescue animals in Haiti. SODEOPRECA, which is located in the Dominican Republic, shares the same island as Haiti. Though they are facing obstacles, including crossing the border and limited supplies, they are working with an American veterinarian who is now a resident of the island. Many thanks to Emma Clifford, Director of Animal Balance, for keeping us updated on these efforts and ways for us to help. For more information to go www.animalbalance.net or www.sodopreca.com. January 19, 2010: When disaster strikes it impacts not only humans, but animals as well. Team up with our friends at the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and find out what you can do for these special earthquake victims. Learn how you can help at WSPA’s website. | January 15, 2010 - Alley Cat Allies Helping Atlantic City’s Cats in Need
Today, January 15th, Alley Cat Allies is hosting a low-cost neuter clinic for cats from two targeted neighborhoods: Buzby Village and Belfield Ave. Residents from these areas can take advantage of spay/neuter surgeries for the low fee of $10 per cat. This event is part of our Every Kitty – Every City program in Atlantic City, continuing our commitment to promoting and providing accessible, low-cost neuter resources in the area. Learn more about Every Kitty – Every City: Atlantic City. | January 15, 2010 - Major recall on drugs used in feral cat spay/neuter surgeries
Ketamine and butorphanol - two drugs manufactured by Teva Animal Health, Inc.- have been recalled. These drugs are commonly used in spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs. The FDA's recall of the drugs resulted from evidence that the drugs were associated with lack of effect, prolonged effect, and death. Consult your veterinarian about this recall. Read more. | January 8, 2010 - Los Angeles: Tell City Council "We Want Trap-Neuter-Return Back!"
A recent court order has suspended city funding and promotion for Trap-Neuter-Return programs in Los Angeles – and we need your help to get it back. Before the court order, Los Angeles – like many progressive communities across the U.S. – embraced Trap-Neuter-Return. For the past fifteen years, the city provided significant funding for low-cost spay/neuter vouchers that helped to support and sustain many community Trap-Neuter-Return programs. Please respectfully contact the city council and let them know you support Trap-Neuter-Return and want spay/neuter funding restored for L.A's feral cats. Tell your representatives you want your tax dollars going toward spay/neuter – not killing cats! Los Angeles residents – Take Action!
Learn more about the issue and how you can help restore TNR funding in L.A.
Read the Press Release. | December 31, 2009 - Last Remaining Cat of Newburyport, MA Waterfront Colony – Once 300 Strong - Dies
Zorro, the last remaining cat of the Newburyport waterfront colony in Massachusetts, passed away on December 9, 2009. He will be missed by his friends and caregivers at the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. The Newburyport waterfront feral cat colony once numbered over 300 stray and feral cats. Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, a member of Alley Cat Allies’ Feral Friend Network, was inspired to form to care for this original colony. Their care of other area colonies continues. Though the end of this colony is marked with the sadness of Zorro's passing, it is a positive testament to the effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Return. As the humane approach to feral cat care, Trap-Neuter-Return effectively stabilizes feral cat populations. Read about key scientific studies on Trap-Neuter-Return.
Learn more about Trap-Neuter-Return.
Learn more about the Feral Friends Network. | December 30, 2009 - Only Two Days Left! Don't Miss Your Chance to Help Cats in 2009
There are only 48 hours left to make a tax deductable donation to help Alley Cat Allies save more cats in 2009. With your support we can continue this year's amazing progress in to 2010. Your donation will be put to work immediately leading massive advocacy battles to protect cats from harmful laws, giving cat lovers tools to improve the lives of their local cats, bringing advocates, caregivers, and resources together, and working with advocates to save lives. Please, make your tax-deductible year-end donation today. | December 29, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies Billboards in Baltimore Bolster Awareness
 As part of our Every Kitty – Every City program, Alley Cat Allies is sponsoring 20 billboards throughout the city. These billboards will help increase awareness about the program and directs people to our online veterinary resources, a schedule of community workshops, and networking and volunteer opportunities. The billboards will be up through mid-January, thanks to a donation from Clear Channel. Learn more about Every Kitty – Every City: Baltimore.
Check out a few highlights of our work in Charm City.
View the billboard. | December 22, 2009 - Last Chance: Send Holiday eCards to the Cat-Lovers in Your Life Today!
This year, tell the cat lovers in your life you care – and help protect our nation’s cats at the same time. Give a gift of $5 or more and send choose from 5 festive eCard designs to send to your loved ones today. Send your eCard now. | December 20, 2009 - Blizzard 2009 advice for caregivers
 With Blizzard 2009 blanketing the east coast, Alley Cat Allies provides caregivers with tips for protecting and caring for feral cat colonies in extreme weather. Information includes: - Providing an Outdoor Shelter
- Clear Pathways
- Salt and Melting Products
- Keep Food and Water from Freezing
- Before You Drive
- Be Prepared
Read Alley Cat Allies' Severe Weather Tips. | December 18, 2009 - An Inspiring List of Victories for Cats in 2009
This year Alley Cat Allies is celebrating the faces and voices of our movement and reflecting on our most exciting successes, all highlighted in our 2009 Annual Report. Read the 2009 Annual Report. | December 9, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on the City of Los Angeles to Appeal Court’s Decision on Trap-Neuter-Return
Last week, a Los Angeles judge ruled to suspend all city funding and support for Trap-Neuter-Return. Though this ruling does not affect the ability for private or non-profit groups to carry out Trap-Neuter-Return, it will prevent these groups from using the municipal funded spay/neuter vouchers for feral cats. The suspension is the result of a lawsuit brought under a California law that requires environmental reviews before some government projects can go forward. But this law was intended to apply to activities like highway construction, not Trap-Neuter-Return. Alley Cat Allies is encouraging the city to appeal, and is monitoring the situation. Read the Press Release.
Learn more about the true threat to wildlife: humans. | December 1, 2009 - This holiday season make a donation to Alley Cat Allies and receive unique gifts to share with family and friends
Share them with others to show your love of cats--or keep them to enjoy yourself! For a donation of $50, we will send you two calendars - one for yourself and one to give to someone else. Or, make a donation of $100 and receive five calendars to distribute to friends and family! For even more cat-oriented gifts make a donation of $100 and we will send you a deluxe set of cat memorabilia that includes the Alley Cat Allies 2010 Calendar, the CATaholic Music CD filled with festive cat-themed music, Emily Eve Weinstein's Cat Book and an Alley Cat Allies Tote Bag. Make your donation and receive your holiday gifts today! | November 25, 2009 - Shutdown of cat sanctuary is a sobering reminder: Sanctuaries are no place for feral cats
There is a rescue effort for the 600 cats who live at the 10th Life Sanctuary for Cats in Clewiston, Florida. Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program is organizing the rescue. This current investigation is a sobering reminder of the cruelty that can be associated with these facilities. Alley Cat Allies believes that sanctuaries are no place for feral cats. Learn why sanctuaries are not a good approach for feral cats.
Find out how you can help the rescue effort. | November 23, 2009 - Stock up on pet food and help Alley Cat Allies!
 Alley Cat Allies has partnered with PetFoodDirect.com in their Campaign to Support Caregivers. This week, save 10% off your purchase when you use the code “ALLEYCAT.” Not only will you be helping your own community cats, but PetFoodDirect.com will donate 10% of your purchase back to Alley Cat Allies to support our work protecting and improving cat’s lives. It’s a win-win! Start shopping now. | November 18, 2009 - Wear your support for Alley Cat Allies on your sleeve!
 Show the world that you support Alley Cat Allies and the movement to protect our nation’s cats. Alley Cat Allies and Lands’ End have partnered to offer you high-quality clothing, bags, and hats all with the Alley Cat Allies’ logo. These products, including polo shirts, ThermaCheck ® Jackets, and urban messenger bags, are great gifts for the cat lovers in your life. Get your holiday shopping done early at the Alley Cat Allies Land’s End Store. Start your holiday shopping now. | November 13, 2009 - Learn the Real Truth about Rabies at the Alley Cat Allies Veterinary Resource Center
Billed as a “killer disease,” complete with its own awareness day and over-hyped media attention, rabies is a topic that can come up when discussing cats living outdoors—often by people who mistakenly believe that feral cats don’t belong there. They might use rabies as a reason to introduce catch and kill plans to remove cats from certain areas, saying feral cats pose a public health risk because they could have rabies. Yet rabies is actually a public health victory. In fact, from 2000-2007, there were only 25 confirmed cases of rabies in America. And none of those cases were caused by cats. Alley Cat Allies is proud to announce a new section in the online Veterinary Resource Center devoted to rabies. The section includes a full-range of information and facts about the rabies virus: its low prevalence in feral cats, how Trap-Neuter-Return programs help, how long rabies vaccines last, the history of rabies in the United States; and proven effective programs which target the true sources of rabies: wildlife. These facts shatter the myths about the disease. Armed with this information, you can spread the word that feral cats do not pose a public health risk. Learn the facts about rabies and feral cats. | November 12, 2009 - DC caregivers beware: feral cat colony attacked by teens with dogs on Capitol Hill
Alley Cat Allies is urging vigilance to all feral cat caregivers after reports of teens setting dogs on a colony located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC. The dogs are thought to have killed a number of kittens over the past few months, and injured adult colony members. Washington, DC, a focus of Alley Cat Allies’ Every Kitty – Every City program, has a government funded and supported feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return program that is designed to protect these special cats. This wanton destruction of defenseless animals is a tragedy, especially in a city that has embraced the humane approach to feral cat care. Caregivers and residents – please keep an eye out and report any suspicious activity. Read the article.
Learn more about the link between violence to animals and violence to humans.
Learn more about the Every Kitty – Every City program. | November 12, 2009 - Don't Miss the Chance to Honor the Special Cats in Your Life
 Alley Cat Allies and our supporters are thankful every day for the cats who bring warmth and joy into our lives. This Thanksgiving, show your thanks for the cats in your life by posting a tribute to them on the Alley Cat Allies Thanksgiving Gallery. You’ll be telling the world about your special companions and helping cats across the nation at the same time. To make your Thanksgiving tribute today, simply make a donation of $15 or more on our Thanksgiving Tribute Donation Page, then wait for the email with instructions on how to add your own post to the gallery. If you haven’t already, please consider this special way to pay thanks to the cats in your life this Thanksgiving. With your support, Alley Cat Allies can take action for cats nationwide. Make your Thanksgiving Gallery Donation and post a message of thanks for your cat today.
View the Thanksgiving Gallery. | November 10, 2009 - NH police to charge local man who allegedly shot feral cat
Police officials of Hampton, New Hampshire are sending a clear message: Shooting feral cats is cruel and inhumane—and just plain wrong. Responding to a call from a neighbor, officials questioned a local man about the death of a cat. The man admitted to the police that he killed the cat with a shotgun because it was feral. An animal cruelty charge, as well as a criminal charge for unlawful use of a firearm, are being considered. Learn more about anti-cruelty law.
Sign our petition reminding others that shooting cats is unacceptable. | November 5, 2009 - An Iowa Cat Tests Positive for H1N1– Learn What to Watch For in Your Cat
With the flu season upon us, don’t forget to monitor the health of your cats as well as your own! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a cat in Iowa has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The disease is thought to have transferred from human members of the household, who experienced an “influenza-like illness” before the cat become ill. The cat and the people have since recovered. There are no indications that the cat passed the virus on to any other animals or people. So remember, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please monitor your pet’s health as well. Wash your hands before handling your pets and disinfect surfaces often. If your cats does show signs of respiratory illness, please see you veterinarian immediately. Read the statement from the Iowa Department of Public Health. | October 29, 2009 - Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats – A Cruelty Conviction and a Plan to Do More with Your Help
On August 18, Alley Cat Allies' Atlantic City Fieldwork Coordinator, Amanda, witnessed three men illegally dumping a tame mother cat, Cassie, and her kittens at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk. Thanks to your support and Amanda's witness testimony, one of the men has been fined $500 and must fulfill 15 hours of community service. The other defendant's trial is pending. It can't stop there—we can do more to prevent this from happening again. Alley Cat Allies is ramping up our awareness efforts in the Atlantic City area to improve understanding about the boardwalk cats with bus shelter ads, leaflets at veterinary offices and pet stores, and new volunteer opportunities—and you can help! Opportunities to get involved include boardwalk clean-up days, leafleting events, and helping with our adoptable cats. Get involved and help the Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats. View our list of new volunteer opportunities.
Learn more about the Atlantic City Boardwalk Project.
Learn more about the abandonment of Cassie and her kittens.
See our list of adoptable cats. | October 22, 2009 - Shooting Feral Cats is Cruel and Inhumane—and Just Plain Wrong
Lately Alley Cat Allies has heard from our supporters and seen more than one news item about people who should know better—elected leaders no less—suggesting that the best way to handle feral cats is to shoot them. In early October, a Rolla, Missouri councilman said it on video, and another official in Coon Valley, Wisconsin alluded to “disposing” of feral cats. In Leakey, Texas, the local humane society put out a press release asking local hunters to not shoot outdoor cats with eartips (because the eartip indicates they are a part of the humane society’s TNR program). Their own words imply it’s still ok to shoot cats who DON’T have eartips! Alley Cat Allies knows that our supporters won’t stand for this, but officials and nonprofit groups need to hear it directly from you! Sign our petition reminding these people—who should know better—that inhumane treatment of cats is unacceptable—and show them that America ir a humane place. | October 19, 2009 - How did you Celebrate National Feral Cat Day? We want to hear from you!
Thank you to everyone who took action on behalf of cats last week. How did you celebrate National Feral Cat Day? We want to hear from you! Please share photos and stories from your special activities. You might be featured in our next edition of the Alley Cat Action! Use our online forms to tell us about your event: | October 16, 2009 - Happy National Feral Cat Day!
 Alley Cat Allies staff and supporters—and Frank the Feral—appeared on the CBS Early Show today in celebration of National Feral Cat Day, an event we founded years ago on the date of our incorporation to honor our nation's feral cats. | October 15, 2009 - Tomorrow is National Feral Cat Day! Find an event near you
There are now over 100 events scheduled in celebration of National Feral Cat Day, occurring in 33 states and parts of Canada. Plan to attend an event tomorrow and do your part to protect and improve the lives of cats. See our list of events.
If you can’t attend an event, read our list of activities you can do from home. | October 13, 2009 - Celebrate NFCD with Alley Cat Allies on the CBS Morning Show
 Alley Cat Allies will appear on the CBS Early Show on Friday, October 16 in honor of National Feral Cat Day! The show has asked us to bring a large crowd of Alley Cat Allies supporters to stand with our mascot, Frank the Feral, and spokesperson Elizabeth Parowski on the plaza outside the CBS Early Show studios. They will be interviewed there by Early Show weatherman (and animal lover) Dave Price several times between 7:15 and 9 a.m. ATTEND! If you live in the New York City area, please join us. Learn how. WATCH! If you can't attend, be sure to watch from 7-9 a.m. on the CBS network. | October 13, 2009 - New York's 1st Annual Week for the Animals is October 10 - 18
Alley Cat Allies is a proud sponsor of New York’s Week for the Animals. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and meet other animal advocates in towns across your state. View a full list of registered events and plan your week. | October 12, 2009 - Feline blogger and cat-to-cat advice columnist Sparkle the Designer Cat is an Alley Cat Ally! You can show your support too.
Learn more about Sparkle the Designer Cat.
Show your support and become an Alley Cat Ally. | October 9, 2009 - Protect cats by donating through your workplace giving program
If you are a military or federal or state government employee, you can designate Alley Cat Allies to receive your workplace contributions through this year’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Help us protect and improve cats’ lives! Designate Alley Cat Allies #10964 on your Combined Federal Campaign form today. | October 7, 2009 - Celebrate National Feral Cat Day by educating others
 There are so many ways to celebrate National Feral Cat Day! Educating others is an important first step in protecting cats. Here are two ways you can help people understand that feral cats are healthy and happy outside and that Trap-Neuter-Return improves their lives: - Put our expert advice in the hands of the veterinary professionals people turn to for help. Encourage your veterinarian to access our new web center for feral cat veterinary care.
- Hang a poster or place advertisements. Post our downloadable NFCD poster at your veterinarian’s office and in other high traffic areas in your community: your place of worship, your office, or the local library, school, gym, café, or store. Order more full-size posters. Place advertisements in local newspapers or publications, using these samples.
Read about other ways to celebrate NFCD.
Use our online form to tell others about an event you're planning.
See the list of other events going on in communities around the country. | October 6, 2009 - Notice to Neonatal Kitten Caregivers – Check Your KMR® Powder
If your KMR® powder does not smell right, do not use it. PetAg, the manufacturers of KMR® powder (kitten replacement milk), has recently posted information on their website about the possibility of the product being exposed to excessive heat after a number of users reported an “off odor.” Normally, the product exhibits a faint “milky” smell. If your KMR® powder does not smell right (has an off odor), do not use it and contact PetAg directly at 800-323-0877. According to PetAg Liquid KMR products have exhibited no impact from heat stress. Learn more. | October 1, 2009 - Watch Alley Cat Allies’ new community cats video
 This video is the perfect way to educate others about feral cats, their history, their behavior, and the programs and people working every day on their behalf. Watch the video now. | September 28, 2009 - Feral cats represented at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference
 Alley Cat Allies will be exhibiting at the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference on October 12 – 15, 2009 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Come by to meet our staff and pick up some complimentary educational materials about feral cats and the special veterinary approaches that take into account their unique needs. These materials will help you or your veterinarian serve as a resource to clients and provide tips on direct feral cat veterinary care! Learn more about the conference.
Learn feral cat veterinary protocol in our new online resource center. | September 25, 2009 - PetSmart Charities is funding feral cat spay/neuter and Trap-Neuter-Return programs
PetSmart Charities grant applications for stray and feral cat spay/neuter and Trap-Neuter-Return programs are due on October 15. Learn how to apply.
Learn how to become start an organization to help cats. | September 25, 2009 - Visit Alley Cat Allies at the Feline Forum in Chicago this weekend
Alley Cat Allies is exhibiting at Feline Forum, being held at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare from September 24-26. Stop by our booth to meet Alley Cat Allies staff members and volunteers and to pick up educational materials on stray and feral cats. Learn more about the event. | September 24, 2009 - Available Atlantic City Boardwalk cats to strut their stuff at this Saturday’s adoption fair
 Foster cats and kittens from Alley Cat Allies Atlantic City Boardwalk Project are up for adoption! Come meet the newest member of your family at the Humane Society of Atlantic County's Pet Fair this Saturday, September 26 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more about the adoption event.
See all Atlantic City cats and kittens up for adoption. | September 23, 2009 - Winners from the CVC Kansas City drawing announced!
 At CVC Kansas City, Missouri, Alley Cat Allies hosted a prize drawing and we are pleased to announce our two winners: Jennifer Madsen from Silver City, Iowa, and Melissa Beyer from Des Moines, Iowa! Jennifer and Melissa each received a unique abstract painting created by artist Gadi Veneziano. Gadi is a contemporary artist and painter who specializes in the creation of original mixed-media paintings and enhances the color, form, and texture of his pieces by exploring various media and materials. To learn more about the artist, visit www.artbygadi.com. Thanks to everyone that participated in the drawing and visited our table at CVC Kansas City! | September 18, 2009 - Take Action! Thank Atlantic City officials for valuing the lives of cats
 On August 18, Alley Cat Allies’ Atlantic City Fieldwork Coordinator, Amanda, witnessed three men dumping a tame mother cat and her kittens at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Boardwalk. The cats had been transported to the site in the trunk of the men’s car, inside a box with no ventilation. As Alley Cat Allies' Boardwalk Project Coordinator, Amanda knew to call local law enforcement right away. Luckily, Amanda was able to provide witness testimony to the responding police officer that helped get the men cited for cruelty to animals. Anti-cruelty laws—which exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia—protect animals and reflect our values as a compassionate society. By citing the men and prosecuting this case, the Atlantic City authorities have sent a strong message that they value cats’ lives, and will not tolerate cruelty. Alley Cat Allies does not tolerate animal abandonment. Learn more about abandonment, why it constitutes cruelty, why TNR is not abandonment. Take Action! Help us thank the Atlantic City Prosecutor’s office and the Atlantic County SPPCA for upholding animal anti-cruelty laws.
Read Amanda’s testimony.
Amanda was able to rescue the mother cat (Cassie) and her four kittens: Pepper, Brooke, Zoe, and Devin. They are available for adoption. View all of the Atlantic City Boardwalk Program cats and kittens who need homes. | September 18, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies is hiring
Alley Cat Allies is looking for a writer/editor to research, write, and edit a vast array of materials to help us pursue our mission of protecting and improving the lives of cats. The ideal candidate should be an experienced, creative and qualified writer who can craft original content dealing with complex issues and convey information to a variety of audiences. Read the position description and apply today. | September 18, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson speaks at Pennsyvlania's Animal Law Night
 Becky is giving a speech about "Cats: Natural Law and Humane Law" at Animal Law Night. The event will be held in conjuction with the 2nd Annual Pennsylvania Week for the Animals and hosted by Duquesne University Department of Philosophy and Animal Law Coalition on September 18, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00pm. Learn more about this and other Pennsylvania Week for the Animals events. | September 16, 2009 - Plan your event for National Feral Cat Day
Celebrate National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) on October 16 by planning an event for your town. You can help protect cats by reaching out to others with the message that feral cats are healthy and happy outdoors and that Trap-Neuter-Return improves cats’ lives. Go to www.alleycat.org/NFCD to find more information about publicizing events, including writing event-related press releases and working with the media. And, be sure to take pictures of your events! Select stories will be featured online and in our newsletter. Check out our ideas and suggestions for celebrating National Feral Cat Day.
Announce your event on our website.
Find an event in your area using our official list of NFCD celebrations. | September 14, 2009 - Tennessee’s fifth annual Week for the Animals begins September 19
Alley Cat Allies is a proud sponsor of Tennessee’s Week for the Animals. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and meet other animal advocates in towns across your state. View a full list of registered events and plan your week. | September 11, 2009 - Good News! Harmful California Bill Stopped
Our voices were heard! In the face of strong opposition from Alley Cat Allies, our supporters, and others, the California Assembly voted down a harmful mandatory spay/neuter bill. Only 28 lawmakers supported the bill, and 42 were opposed. For the past few months, we asked California residents to take action against S.B. 250 because it would have harmed cats cared for by feral cat caregivers and low income owners. And you took action. This last week alone, you sent over 14,000 letters urging California legislators to oppose the bill. Although this measure is stopped for now, the bill's sponsor intends to reintroduce S.B. 250 next year. Rest assured that Alley Cat Allies will not settle for any bill that threatens the interests of cats. We will continue to monitor legislation in California, and we will alert you if more action is needed. Thank you for your help in stopping S.B. 250, and for your work to protect cats in California. | September 10, 2009 - Put your workplace contributions to work for Alley Cat Allies in this year’s Combined Federal Campaign.
It’s time for the annual Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). If you are a military or federal or state government employee, you can designate Alley Cat Allies to receive your workplace contributions to help us protect and improve cats’ lives. Please write Alley Cat Allies’ CFC #10964 to make your contributions work for cats. | September 9, 2009 - Come visit Alley Cat Allies at Washington, DC’s VegFest.
Cancelled - Alley Cat Allies will no longer be exhibiting. Stop by our booth at the DC VegFest to meet Alley Cat Allies staff members and pick up educational materials on stray and feral cats on Saturday, September 12 from noon to 6 p.m. Learn more about the event. | September 4, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies urges the California Assembly to oppose a bill harmful to cats.
We need your help today! Sometime next week, the full California Assembly will vote on S.B. 250. Many of you urged the Committee on Appropriations to vote against this bill last week; unfortunately, by a narrow margin, the committee passed the bill. We now need you to urge the full Assembly to stop this bill. California residents–Take Action! | September 3, 2009 - Pennsylvania’s second annual Week for the Animals begins September 12.
Alley Cat Allies is a proud sponsor of Pennsylvania’s Week for the Animals. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and meet other animal advocates in your state. View a full list of registered events and plan your week. | August 27, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies’ kitten progression photos will help you determine the age of kittens you encounter.
Deciding how to care for kittens you encounter depends on a number of variables. If you can determine their age, you can decide how—or if—you should intervene. These photos can help you estimate the kitten's age. View our kitten progression photo page. | August 26, 2009 - Order the new Campus Cats: A Trap-Neuter-Return Program brochure.
This entirely updated brochure is perfect for promoting existing Cats on Campus programs, convincing administrators to try Trap-Neuter-Return, and helping to recruit volunteers. Order the brochure.
Learn more about Cats on Campus. | August 24, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies urges the California Committee on Appropriations to oppose a bill that would hurt cats.
We need your help today! This Thursday, the California Assembly Committee on Appropriations will vote on S.B. 250. Many of you urged the Committee on Appropriations to vote against this bill last month; however, that vote was postponed until this Thursday, and we need you to take action again. California residents–Take Action! | August 21, 2009 - National Feral Cat Day is October 16—start planning now!
National Feral Cat Day (NFCD) is your opportunity to help protect and improve the lives of cats across the county—and it's just around the corner! Learn more about National Feral Cat Day.
Get ideas for holding a local event of your own.
Download the 2009 poster.
Tell the world that you’re an Alley Cat Ally by taking part in our photo pledge. | August 18, 2009 - Alley Cat Allies’ Atlantic City Adoption and Outreach Event a success!
 On August 1, Alley Cat Allies partnered with the Petco in Toms River, New Jersey, to get socialized cats from our Atlantic City Boardwalk Program adopted, and educate visitors about feral cat care and humane trapping techniques. The event lasted five hours, with a steady flow of traffic from Petco customers and people interested in learning about the Boardwalk Program. We also had many visitors show interest in adopting cats and kittens and fill out applications on the spot! In total, Alley Cat Allies staff and volunteers brought 16 adoptable cats and kittens to the fair. Special thanks to Petco, Toms River for generously allowing us to hold the fair at their store and to use their indoor room so that potential adopters could meet cats one-on-one. The staff at Petco were friendly and gracious, and we could not have done the event without them. There are still kitties available for adoption in Atlantic City, and our other Every Kitty-Every City locations.
Join FeralPower! to receive alerts about other adoption events coming up in the area.
Learn more about the Atlantic City Boardwalk Every Kitty-Every City program. | August 17, 2009 - Charges dropped against Beverly Hills caregiver; Now city considers new ordinance that may not fully protect cats or their caregivers.
The charges have been dropped against Katherine Varjian, the Beverly Hills, CA feral cat caregiver who was cited for feeding cats. Part of the reason for the case dismissal: Varjian was cited under a city code that had actually been deleted, and so it no longer existed. Now the Beverly Hills City Council will be considering a draft ordinance tomorrow (August 18), which will be presented by a committee. Though the ordinance will focus on Trap-Neuter-Return, the ordinance does not have the best interests of the cats—or those who care for them—at heart. If you live in the area, consider attending the meeting to learn more and express your opinion with other feral cat allies: Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m.
455 N. Rexford Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Beverly Hills City Council, Room 400 Read the proposed bill.
Learn more about the case and the bill. | August 6, 2009 - Scientific studies show that Trap-Neuter-Return works.
Peer-reviewed scientific studies conducted around the world show that Trap-Neuter-Return, also known as TNR, is the humane and effective approach for managing feral cats. Read more about these studies. | August 6, 2009 - Work for Alley Cat Allies as a Program Assistant
Alley Cat Allies is seeking a nonprofit programs go-getter! If you have a degree and a sound beginner’s background in a variety of administrative areas, this entry-level position is the job for you. You will help the programs and campaigns team complete tasks on our ambitious plan to improve the lives of cats in the United States. We’re looking for an articulate, positive, upbeat person with strong organizing skills, initiative, and the ability to learn quickly. Read the position description and apply today. | August 4, 2009 - Wisconsin’s Week for the Animals begins August 8. Plan now!
Alley Cat Allies is a proud sponsor of Wisconsin’s Week for the Animals. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and meet other animal advocates in your state. View a full list of events and plan your week. |
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