December 24, 2012 - Happy Holidays!

December 21, 2012 - Spay Days for Forth Worth, Texas

Alley Cat Allies and Texas Coalition for Animal Protection are celebrating the new feral cat ordinance passed by the Fort Worth City Council by hosting two spay days in January 2013.

In August 2012, code enforcement officials in Fort Worth, Texas, proposed an ordinance that would have placed heavy fines and restrictions on caring citizens doing TNR for feral cats. Alley Cat Allies stepped in to point out the flaws in this proposal and lobby for an ordinance that encouraged TNR and cat caregivers. After months of organizing, educating, and traveling across the country to meet with stakeholders, we prevailed; in November 2012, the Fort Worth City Council reversed their course and unanimously passed a law more supportive of TNR.

Feral cats brought in by Fort Worth residents for the Spay Days will be neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped free of charge.

Get details about Fort Worth Spay Days in January.
Learn how to build Trap- Neuter-Return capacity in your community.

December 12, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Criticizes Biloxi, MS Judge for Misguided Punishment of Feral Cat Caregiver

We are disappointed to report the recent conviction of a 78-year-old Biloxi woman apparently based on the mistaken belief by Judge Pro Tem Dean Wilson that her longtime participation in a sanctioned Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats was a “hoarding” situation.

Despite testimony noting that Biloxi resident Dawn Summers had participated in a TNR program established through the Humane Society of South Mississippi, the judge convicted her of the hoarding charge and sentenced her to 100 hours of community service.

The judge in this case made a grave error by fundamentally misunderstanding TNR. Ms. Summers does not ‘own’ these cats – their natural home is the outdoors and they were living on the property even before she was. She was not ‘hoarding’ them, but helping them.

We stand behind Ms. Summers and others in her community who want the city’s TNR ordinance fixed so that misunderstandings like this can never happen again.

December 7, 2012 - Share your love of cats with an Alley Cat Allies Holiday eCard

It's the time of year we all stop and reflect on the things in our lives that we cherish, including our beloved cats. That's why we're back this year with our Alley Cat Allies Holiday eCards.

Not only is this a unique gift for your loved ones, but it's also a great way to show your devotion to protecting cats by spreading the word about the critical work we're doing at Alley Cat Allies.

Send a FREE Holiday eCard Today!

December 6, 2012 - 12 Days of Kittens Holiday Adoption Event

Alley Cat Allies is proud to announce our 12 Days of Kittens! Starting today, you will meet Alley Cat Allies’ adorable and adoptable felines, each looking for a loving, forever home. And just in time for the holidays, you can bring home two cats or kittens for one adoption fee!

Contact us at info@alleycat.org or call toll free 866-271-5534 to learn more.

Follow our 12 Days of Kittens.
See all of our cats available for adoption.

December 6, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies and The Humane Society of Louisiana Host Town Hall Meeting to Address Recent Cat Killings

Alley Cat Allies and The Humane Society of Louisiana have partnered to hold a Town Hall meeting to address two recent incidents in which cats were brutally killed in East Feliciana Parish.

Thursday, December 13
7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Jackson Civic Center
2084 Hwy 10
Jackson, LA 70748
Get Directions.

So far there are no leads in the cases, though Alley Cat Allies is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators in each case. Invited speakers include East Feliciana Parish Sheriff Talmadge Bunch.

The meeting is free and open to the public.

November 30, 2012 - Travesty of Justice in Liberty, Missouri Conviction of Feral Cat Caregiver

Annette Betancourt, a feral cat caregiver in Liberty, Missouri, was charged with violating the city’s “limit law,” even though she did not “own” the feral cats found living outdoors when she moved into her neighborhood. Betancourt had been volunteering as part of a TNR program for several years, using her own money to neuter and vaccinate the cats. She stabilized the population, and no new litters of kittens were born. She was fined $200 by the court for her actions.

This verdict is a travesty. Trap-Neuter-Return is the only humane and effective approach for feral cats, and a public service to communities.

We stand behind Annette, and all caregivers, in this growing national movement.

Read the Press Release.

November 28, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Seeking Justice for Brutal Louisiana Cat Killings

Alley Cat Allies is seeking justice for cats and their caregivers in two horrific cases of animal cruelty in Louisiana.

The first case, which occurred outside Baton Rouge, LA involved a 4-month-old kitten who was hanged in the front yard of his owner, a 76-year-old man.

In the second case, caregivers who had been looking after a colony of nearly two dozen cats in Ethel, LA left behind at an abandoned home discovered many of the cats shot to death by a .22 caliber rifle and mutilated by unknown criminals. Prior to the crime, the cats’ caregivers had been feeding them and trying to get them placed in other homes.

We are offering two separate rewards of $5,000 each for information that leads to an arrest in either case. If you have any information that you believe may be relevant please call 1-888-6-HUMANE.

Our investigator has canvassed the neighborhoods with volunteers where each crime occurred, seeking tips and offering assistance to local sheriffs in identifying suspects. These cases must be solved, not only to bring justice for the cats who were cruelly killed, but to ensure that these communities can be safe from the dangerous criminals who perpetrated these offenses.

Read the Press Release.
Read Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinson's appeal.

November 26, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Remembers Office Cat Jared

It is with deep sadness we share the news that our beloved office cat, Jared, has passed away.

So many of you shared in our affection and admiration for this resilient cat, sending your inspiring messages and well-wishes as he bravely battled cancer over the last few years. It is only right that we share the story of both his life and his passing with his many fans.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, Jared’s health took a turn for the worse and he was brought to the animal hospital, where a sonogram revealed that he required emergency surgery. Because of his compromised health— from his cancers, kidney disease, and anemia—the surgery was deemed extremely risky and his chances of full recovery were very slim. His condition was deteriorating, and together our president Becky Robinson and vice president Donna Wilcox made the heartbreaking but necessary decision not to prolong his suffering. After nearly 14 years together, they were by his side as he slipped away.

While our hearts are heavy over this sad news, our memories are full of more than a decade of wonderful, often hilarious moments with Jared. This bold cat distinguished himself from the beginning, when a caregiver from suburban Maryland called us for help: after officials ordered her to stop feeding her feral cat colony, a 6-month-old white kitten stole a loaf of bread from her shopping bag instead. As we worked to save the cats’ lives, Jared became a part of ours, and one of Alley Cat Allies’ first office cats. With his big personality, he quickly established himself as king of the office. Whether sprawling out in the middle of a conference table, politely—or sometimes not so politely—requesting to share our lunch, or squeezing his large body into extremely small spaces, Jared kept our hearts and our laps warm (and was a big LOLcat favorite with our friends on Facebook). From his habit of tapping people on the back for attention to his lifelong love of potato chips, this pure white cat was truly one of the most colorful characters any of us have ever met.

We are grateful that Jared spent so many wonderful years with us. He touched so many lives and he will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all.

Remember Jared with us on Facebook.
Visit our Remembrance Gallery.

November 21, 2012 - Good News: Prince George's County, MD Eartipped Cats Protected!

We’re happy to announce that yesterday afternoon the Prince George's County Council adopted a bill introduced by Council Member Mary Lehman to protect eartipped cats. The bill passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 7 to 1.

Under this new lifesaving law, if eartipped cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs are trapped by animal control, most will be immediately returned to their home outdoors—not impounded or killed in shelters. Any eartipped cat entering the Prince George's County shelter will have the opportunity to be rescued by a local TNR organization.

Thanks to Council Member Lehman for sponsoring this bill, to other Councilmembers for endorsing the legislation, and everyone who took action to protect the cats of Prince George's County.

November 19, 2012 - Prince George's County, MD residents: Speak up once more for cats

This Tuesday, the Prince George’s County Council will hold a final vote on Council Member Mary Lehman’s bill to protect cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs from being impounded and possibly killed in the county shelter.

Tuesday's hearing is the final step on this bill’s path to becoming a lifesaving law.

If you can, attend the meeting to voice your support:

Tuesday, November 20
10:00 a.m.
Prince George’s County Administration Building
17471 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Get Directions

AND residents of Prince George's County please contact your council members now to urge them to support the eartipped cat bill.

Over the past few months, we’ve come so far towards protecting cats in Prince George’s County—let’s keep it up!

Prince George's County, MD Residents: TAKE ACTION!
Not in Prince George's County? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

November 16, 2012 - Give Thanks for the Cats in Your Life

Alley Cat Allies is so grateful for the beautiful cats that touch our hearts (and patrol our office) every day. This time of year, we like to show our appreciation—and give you the chance to show yours—with our annual Thanksgiving Gallery. It’s a free, fun way to say ”thanks” for your feline friends—indoors and out, on your lap or in your community. Thanksgiving is next week, so don’t wait—upload your own photos soon! So, who are you thankful for this year?

Give thanks for the cats in your life.
Visit our Thanksgiving Gallery.

November 13, 2012 - Winter is Coming! Prepare Feral and Stray Cats for Cold Weather

As the temperature outside drops, compassionate people around the nation are caring for the cats they see living outdoors in their communities. As many of you know, feral cats (unsocialized to people) live outdoors in all weather conditions, and have strong survival skills. But, they don’t mind a helping hand.

Though cats grow a thicker coat in the winter, you can still help them stay warm by building a feral cat shelter where the cats can escape the wind, snow, and rain.

Providing specially-built shelters guarantee the cats a warm spot to escape the harsh winter weather and deter them from places where they may not be wanted, like your neighbor's shed.

There are endless variations for building or providing cat shelters. See a variety of options in our shelter gallery and find guidelines for building your own shelter.

It is also important to keep the cats’ food and water from freezing. Feeding the cats canned food in insulated containers is most ideal for winter, as it takes less energy for cats to digest than dry food—and cats can use the extra energy to keep warm.

Keep water drinkable by using bowls that are deep rather than wide, and placing them in a sunny spot. Refill the bowls with warm water or add a pinch of sugar in the water—both keep it from freezing as quickly. Alternatives include heated electric bowls found in many pet shops.

A little extra help during the winter months can go a long way to help protect stray and feral cats and allow them to co-exist with neighbors in their communities.

Learn more at alleycat.org/WinterWeather
Read the Press Release.

November 8, 2012 - Fort Worth, Texas Residents: Speak Up for Cats Today

On Monday, November 12, the Fort Worth City Council will again consider a Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance that will affect the right to care for feral cats.

Over and over, code enforcement officials have proposed an ordinance that discourages people from doing TNR by imposing fines and penalties and interferes with caregivers' privacy by requiring them to register to care for a colony of cats.

We've submitted amendments to the proposal that will fix these problems and encourage TNR. If our changes are approved by the Council, cats and caregivers will be fully supposed and protected by law.

Fort Worth residents, contact your city councilors today to tell them you support Alley Cat Allies' amendments to the TNR ordinance.

Fort Worth, TX Residents: Take Action!
Not in Forth Worth? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

November 7, 2012 - Maryland Residents: New Clinic Offering Special Prices on Spay/Neuter and Vaccinations

From November 12-16, the Spay Spa and Neuter Nook in Davidsonville, MD will be offering $45 spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats, with rabies vaccine and eartipping. Appointments are required, so call them at (443) 607-6496 soon to make your appointments.

We’re so excited about Rude Ranch Animal Rescue opening of this brand new clinic, which will improve the lives of Maryland’s animals and serve an area greatly in need of affordable spay/neuter services.

Be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about this great new resource, too!

November 6, 2012 - Miami-Dade, Florida Residents: Vote for Affordable Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Care

This Election Day, residents of Miami-Dade, Florida have a chance to make a difference for thousands of cats and dogs by voting for the Pets' Trust Ballot Measure for affordable spay/neuter and veterinary care.

This funding would pay for two new, affordable spay/neuter clinics that would neuter 60,000-80,000 animals each year and offer low-cost veterinary services. Affordable, accessible spay/neuter is crucial to successful Trap-Neuter-Return programs and to keeping cats out of shelters, where 7 out of every 10 cats entering are killed. Clinics like these save lives by preventing new litters of kittens and puppies and ensuring that everyone—low-income families, animal rescues, TNR groups—have access to spay/neuter surgeries for the animals for which they care.

Miami-Dade, Florida residents—please think of your county's animals and vote for the Pets' Trust Ballot Measure.

November 2, 2012 - End of Week Update on Atlantic City Relief Efforts

This has been quite a week for the Atlantic City Boardwalk cats, and our Disaster Response Team!

The cats at the Boardwalk fended for themselves during Superstorm Sandy, as all animals who call the outdoors their home will do. And when the storm passed and our team was able to get in to the city for an assessment, we found them coming back to their colony sites and getting their lives back to normal. Feral cats can live healthy, long lives outside—and these cats were front and center proving it to the world.

Yesterday, the news coming out of Atlantic City continued to be positive. Even at the colony near Euclid Avenue where the Boardwalk sustained the most damage, their caregiver announced that the cats were all accounted for and healthy. While our team worked tirelessly to clean the worst hit site (at the Taj Mahal), the cats lounged about and were acting a bit “nonchalant,” according to one of our team members.

There remains more to be done. We’ll continue cleaning up and getting the colonies prepared for winter over the coming weeks. And we’re reaching out to the other places dealing with Sandy’s aftermath to do whatever we can to help.

We’ll continue to post what we learn through the next few days. Thank you for your words of encouragement, support, and inspiration.

October 31, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Deploys Disaster Response Team to Atlantic City

This afternoon Alley Cat Allies’ Disaster Response Team arrived in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to conduct a full assessment of the Boardwalk cat colonies and to determine where assistance is needed most immediately. The receding floodwaters from Hurricane Sandy have revealed unprecedented devastation in the area: boats in the middle of streets, debris from the beach in midtown, and barrier islands completely destroyed.

Along the Boardwalk, where more than 100 feral cats have been living in managed colonies for 13 years, the powerful ocean dragged the cats’ tide-tattered shelters out onto the beach, scattering them around like seashells. The destruction is nothing short of catastrophic.

Despite the devastation, we are very pleased that our program manager in Atlantic City continues to report seeing cats returning to their colonies along the Boardwalk. Often cats will stay away from an area for a few days to a few weeks until they know things are back to normal, so the fact that we have seen almost half of the Boardwalk cats is a sure sign of their resilience. Most of the cats appear healthy and have good appetites, despite their being a bit soggy. We did find one little guy with an injured back leg who is now receiving treatment.

We have deployed our Disaster Response Team to the area to help with clean-up and rebuilding. If you live in or near Atlantic City and want to help, please email us. We also want to hear from people in other areas of the country who were affected by the storm or who are offering assistance to those in need. We know that caregivers and rescuers all along the East Coast have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, and are perhaps without power or a way to get back to their homes or colonies. We are committed to making sure that they have the support and resources they need.

October 30, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Rallies in Atlantic City after Hurricane

In the immediate wake of Hurricane Sandy, Alley Cat Allies is mobilizing staff and volunteers to Atlantic City, New Jersey, where clean up and recovery efforts are underway at the Boardwalk after the devastating flooding there. More than 100 feral cats have called the Boardwalk home for the last 13 years. Their safety is our utmost concern. 

Today our program manager in Atlantic City reported seeing cats returning to their colonies along the Boardwalk. It’s extremely encouraging to see cats coming back already after such a serious storm. Access to the most damaged part of the Boardwalk is still hampered by road closures, but we’ll continue to provide updates as the floodwaters recede and we’re able to conduct a full assessment.

Beginning tomorrow, Alley Cat Allies’ disaster recovery team will be in Atlantic City providing support to caregivers and rescue groups. Specifically, we will help to assure that cats found during rescue efforts will have safe shelter until their caregivers or families are identified or until safe locations or new homes can be found. We will also vet any injured cats, spay/neuter and vaccinate any cats that may be displaced but who are rescued, and provide supplies and volunteers to help build safe shelters and stations for the Boardwalk cats and other cats adjacent to the Boardwalk. In addition, we will be contacting our Feral Friends in the area to find out if they or anyone they know needs assistance with supplies or rescue efforts.

October 26, 2012 - One Are you in the path of Hurricane Sandy? Be prepared!

This weekend weather forecasts are predicting Hurricane Sandy will be affecting much of the East Coast. Make sure you and the cats you care for are prepared with Alley Cat Allies Disaster Tips.

Remember: feral cats are resourceful. The outdoors is their home, so they know how to deal with weather. Many times animals can "sense" when bad weather is coming, and in the case of hurricanes, they often move to higher ground and safe places instinctually.

However, there are things you can do to prepare:

• Have descriptions of the cats in your colony, along with photos. If you need to look for displaced cats in shelters or other rescue areas this will help accurately identify them.
• Make a list of local shelters and their contact information. You will need this information in case you need their help or resources.
• If possible, move shelters and feeding stations to slightly higher, protected ground nearby.
• Fill multiple food and water bowls in case you can't return immediately.
• Keep an Emergency Supply kit on hand.

Find details and more information at: http://www.alleycat.org/DisasterTips

October 17, 2012 - One Step Closer for Prince George County, Maryland’s Cats

This just in: The lifesaving bill introduced by Prince George’s County Council Member Mary Lehman to protect cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs just unanimously passed the Transportation, Health and Environment Committee!

Under Council Member Lehman’s proposed law, most eartipped cats trapped by animal control will be immediately returned to their home outdoors—not impounded in shelters where they could be killed.

We are not done yet! This good bill will not become law unless it is approved by the full County Council. Stay tuned in November when we will need to take further action.

Stay informed on this and other actions: Sign up for our eCommunications.

October 16, 2012 - Happy National Feral Cat Day®!

Alley Cat Allies created National Feral Cat Day® in 1991 to promote humane care for feral cats. Since then, our efforts to change communities nationwide into safe places for cats by sharing information and educating others have been supported year after year by caring individuals and groups—in tiny towns, in big cities, and in places in between!

This year National Feral Cat Day® participants are helping more cats than ever before. Every event today—over 370 of them, nationwide—is focused on changing communities for cats in one way or another, whether just for a day or all year round. In preparation for the biggest National Feral Cat Day® yet, we created new resources for advocates, launched our first webinar on Helping Cats in Your Community, and supported 38 amazing efforts for cats through our Community Impact Awards. We’re so excited to see everyone’s hard work and careful planning come together to improve the lives of cats today.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of cats this National Feral Cat Day®, and every day of the year!

Learn more about National Feral Cat Day®.
See all the events going on nationwide.
Follow the National Feral Cat Day® conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

October 15, 2012 - Cecil County, Maryland Residents: Speak Up Today to Protect Cats

A change in Cecil County’s Animal Care and Control ordinance has mistakenly put cats’ lives at risk. We need you to speak up to correct this error at tomorrow’s public hearing of the Cecil County Board of Commissioners.

Until now, animal control left outdoor cats alone to live out their lives. But a new law—a mostly beneficial ordinance aimed at increasing transparency in animal control operations— mistakenly allowed animal control to impound cats simply for being outdoors. This mistake threatens all cats, pet and feral, that spend time outside. These cats could be impounded—and more than likely, killed—simply for living their lives. We’re supporting local Trap-Neuter-Return groups as they push for changes to the law that fix this mistake and allow them to continue caring for cats outdoors. But we need your help to get the commissioners’ attention.

Cecil County, MD Residents: Take Action!
Not in Cecil County, MD? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

October 11, 2012 - Alabama Nonprofit Spay/Neuter Clinics Saved!

Today we’re celebrating with Alabama residents, veterinarians, and legislators who stood up to save their state’s nonprofit spay/neuter clinics.

A proposed rule before the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners would have banned nonprofit groups from owning and operating spay/neuter clinics or veterinary equipment, and also would have prevented veterinarians from working with such groups.

We responded with a proactive campaign that involved organizing thousands of phone calls to veterinarians around the state asking where they stood on the new rules, putting their answers online, and mobilizing Alabamans to take action.

After hearing overwhelming support for the clinics and opposition to the rule from these advocates, the board unanimously voted down the proposal.

October 9, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Surveys Alabama Veterinarians on Support of Spay/Neuter Clinic Measure

Today we're reporting on answers from our poll of Alabama’s veterinary clinics regarding their support of nonprofit spay/neuter clinics in the state.

The results come just two days before the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is set to vote on a set of rules that would make the state’s nonprofit spay/neuter clinics illegal.

Nonprofit veterinary clinics provide thousands of low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter surgeries to pets of low-income families and animal rescue groups. Closing these clinics would be a disaster for Alabama.

Our poll results show one-third of respondents oppose the measure and support the nonprofit clinics, and just under one-third support the measure claiming business competition from nonprofit clinics as their reason. More troubling, our poll results reveal that many clinics refused to take a stand on the issue.

On our website, www.SaveAlabamaSpayNeuter.com Alabama residents can find their veterinarian’s response.

Read the Press Release.

October 4, 2012 - Alabama Residents: Save Affordable Spay/Neuter Clinics

Nonprofit clinics and shelters that provide veterinary care to animals in Alabama are under attack again.

Currently, Alabama is home to four spay/neuter clinics. These clinics provide a crucial service to the community. They ensure that every resident has the ability to care for animals responsibly. They perform high-volume, high-quality surgeries at low costs. They improve the quality of animals’ lives statewide.

But the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners wants to enact a rule that could close these clinics.

This dangerous rule also threatens animal shelters’ ability to provide basic care like vaccinations and deworming treatments to protect animals against contagious diseases. With this new policy in place, many animals in shelters won’t get the adequate veterinary care they need.

Help us defend affordable, accessible spay/neuter and preventative care for animals.

Alabama Residents: Take Action!
Not in Alabama? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

October 1, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Announces 2012 National Feral Cat Day® Award Recipients

We're proud to announce the 22 recipients of the National Feral Cat Day® Community Impact Awards, held in honor of the 12th annual National Feral Cat Day® on October 16. Each recipient receives a $1,000 award. Another 16 runners-up each receive a $500 award.

The recipients were chosen from hundreds of applicants for their innovative and sustainable programs planned in honor of this year’s National Feral Cat Day®. These model programs will have long-term impact in their communities, and we look forward to building relationships with these committed organizations.

See this year's Community Impact Award winners.
Read the Press Release.
Learn more about National Feral Cat Day®.

September 21, 2012 - Tell the Media: Stop Spreading Lies that Threaten Cats' Lives!

This month, 20/20’s sensationalist reporting called cats “cold-blooded killers.”

It was shoddy and irresponsible at best. At worst, it put cats’ lives in jeopardy—leading to more cats being rounded up and taken to shelters where they’ll likely be killed.

It’s not just 20/20. More than 100 news organizations in the last six weeks have chosen ratings over facts, calling cats “murderers” and “killing machines.” The 20/20 segment blamed cats for the decline of bird species—without any scientific basis and despite overwhelming evidence that humans are responsible for environmental degradation.

If the misconceptions perpetuated by the media take hold, our fight to create safe communities for cats will suffer. We want news organizations to know that relying on propaganda from extremist groups is not real journalism. We’ve had enough.

Tell the media to stop spreading dangerous misinformation that could cost cats’ lives.

Sign our petition.

September 8, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies to "20/20": Get Your Facts Straight on Cats

Last night ABC's 20/20 aired a sensational segment about outdoor cats and wildlife predation, but ignored the species with the greatest impact on wildlife: people.

20/20 aired the segment without first checking the facts and did not bother to turn to cat experts for fairness, balance or truth. It also ignored the massive scientific evidence pointing to people as the true cause of wildlife decline, with the greatest impacts caused by habitat loss, pollution, and urban sprawl.

Instead, 20/20 turned to the American Bird Conservancy for comment, even though this group's propaganda and distortions have been roundly criticized.

Read the Press Release.
Get the facts on cats and the environment.

August 24, 2012 - Be Prepared for Hurricane Season with Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Readiness Tips

Hurricane season is here! Make sure you've got a plan in place for your family, companion animals, and feral cat colonies in the case of an unexpected emergency.

It’s important to know that feral cats are resourceful. The outdoors are their home, so they know how to deal with weather. Many times animals can "sense" when bad weather is coming, and in the case of hurricanes, they often move to higher ground and safe places instinctually.

However, there are things you can do to prepare when harsh weather is forecast or predicted:

• Have descriptions of the cats in your colony, along with photos. If you need to look for displaced cats in shelters or other rescue areas this will help accurately identify them.
• Turn all openings for shelters and feeding stations away from the storm surge, and if possible, move them to slightly higher, protected ground nearby.
• Fill food and water bowls in case you have to evacuate and can't return immediately

If you do need to evacuate, bring your pets with you, but do not try to trap and contain unsocialized feral cats. Have a safe place to go ahead of time, and be sure to bring your emergency supply kits.

After the disaster has passed and it is safe to return, begin cleaning up the colony area, check feeding stations, and look for the cats in your colony. Don’t panic if the cats aren’t waiting when you get back—they can hide for days after severe weather. If any are missing contact your local shelters and determine which agencies, if any, are on the ground in your area assisting animals.

Find details and more information at: http://www.alleycat.org/DisasterTips  

August 8, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Criticizes Extremist Bird Group's Response to University of Georgia Research

The American Bird Conservancy has grossly misinterpreted new research being done at the University of Georgia, using it to support misleading claims that cats are one of the main reasons for bird species decline.

University researchers used “kitty cams” to follow 55 pet cats in suburban Athens, Georgia. In one week, the cats caught five birds. As the research team’s graduate student, Kerrie Anne Loyd, told Alley Cat Allies, “We studied pet cats, not stray cats and feral cats…We did not attempt to extrapolate wildlife captures beyond our study community.”

The American Bird Conservancy’s propaganda is just more of the same—spreading fictions about outdoor cats and making wild ‘extrapolations’ about their imagined impact on other species.

Humans are the number one threat to wildlife—habitat loss, pollution, and urban sprawl are the top reasons that bird populations are declining.

Read the Press Release.
Learn more about cats and the environment.

July 31, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Responds to Dismissal of Officer's Conviction in Virginia Cat-Beating Case

We are shocked and disappointed at a decision by a special prosecutor in Page County, Virginia to dismiss on appeal the conviction of a Harrisonburg police officer who had been found guilty of animal cruelty in March for the beating death of an injured stray cat.

The officer, J.N. Snoddy, had been accused of viciously beating the injured cat to death with his nightstick on the porch of a resident’s home, and was convicted of animal cruelty.

We appreciate that this officer was investigated and then prosecuted, but in reality he received an anemic punishment for a heinous crime, and now even that punishment has been vacated.

We would like to hear from officials what specific procedural changes they’ve made since this incident to ensure that it never happens again.

July 25, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Sets the Record Straight about Cats and Trap-Neuter-Return in Prince George’s County, MD

Yesterday, Alley Cat Allies went on the record with Channel 9 News Now to defend Trap-Neuter-Return and the cats of Prince George’s County.

In June, County Council member Mary Lehman introduced an ordinance to protect eartipped cats from being killed in the county shelter, but the proposal has met with opposition from people perpetuating the tired, misguided cat vs. bird debate.

We let Channel 9's viewers know that the number one threat to birds and wildlife is humans’ impact on our environment—not cats. And, we explained that TNR is the only humane, effective approach for feral cats. As Councilmember Lehman pointed out, surrounding cities including Fairfax, VA, Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, have all embraced TNR.

Watch the video.
Learn more about the number one threat to species.

July 23, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Supports Brevard County, Florida Citizen in Lawsuit Against County Commissioners

A lawsuit has been filed against the Brevard County Board of Commissioners for illegally suspending key portions of a 13-year-old county ordinance establishing Trap-Neuter-Return for feral cats in Brevard County.

The suit asks the court to determine that the Board of County Commissioners violated both state and local law when they suspended key provisions of the TNR ordinance and imposed a moratorium on new registrations of colonies without proper advance public notice and hearing. The commissioners acted after a single citizen raised objections to TNR.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a citizen of Brevard County who was refused legal registration of a feral cat colony she had been caring for on a property adjacent to hers under the Brevard County Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance, including neutering and vaccinating cats with her own money. Just days after the Board’s illegal actions, the citizen discovered animal control workers trapping the cats, and she was told they would be taken to a local shelter and killed.

The undemocratic actions by Brevard County Commissioners to roll back Trap-Neuter-Return—without public input or a vote—will have dire consequences for the community. TNR has greatly benefitted the Brevard community for 13 years. Gutting this program will mean a return to the deadly and ineffective policies of the past.

Read the Press Release.
Learn more about our campaign in Brevard County.

July 18, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Posts an Open Letter to Brevard County, FL Commissioners to Protect Cats

Today we published an open letter to Brevard County, Florida Commissioners asking them not to dismantle a longstanding Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance.

Brevard County has served as a model for humane care for cats since 1999, when it was one of the first U.S. counties to adopt TNR, the only effective and humane approach to feral cats. Since then, thousands of communities across the nation have embraced TNR in place of catch and kill.

Now, with no warning, the commissioners have abruptly halted key components of this lifesaving program and are threatening to chip away at its effectiveness. This is the wrong move.

We're offering to help get Brevard County back on the right track. Help us spread the word by sharing our letter.

Read the Press Release.
Spread the word by sharing our open letter to Brevard County Commissioners.
Learn more about our campaign in Brevard County, FL.

July 17, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies' National Feral Cat Day® website launched!

Our National Feral Cat Day® website is an all-inclusive resource for you to plan and attend activities and events centered on National Feral Cat Day®, which is coming up on October 16! National Feral Cat Day® presents a great opportunity to combine our efforts toward making the world a better, safer place for cats.

For our 12th annual National Feral Cat Day®, we’re focused on creating sustainable change for cats in communities everywhere. Join us! Get involved today by checking out our National Feral Cat Day® website for all of the latest news and events in your area, and sign up to host an event.

Visit our National Feral Cat Day® website today!

July 12, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Denounces Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for Trapping and Removing Cats

Today we are condemning a plan by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to trap and remove cats at Barnett Access in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Last week, the Game and Fish Commission declined offers by Alley Cat Allies to coordinate a Trap-Neuter-Return program for the cats at no cost to the state.

There are humane options available to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission—options that will work for everyone, and have already worked for communities all over the country. Instead taxpayer dollars will be used to carry out the trap and remove effort, which it will not be effective in permanently clearing the area of cats. Trapping and removing cats, commonly practiced for decades, creates a void in the habitat where new, unneutered cats will move in and reproduce through a naturally occurring phenomenon known as the “vacuum effect.”

We are disappointed that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has chosen a costly, ‘knee-jerk’ approach over a humane, proven, sustainable long-term solution.

Read the Press Release.
Learn more about the vacuum effect.

July 11, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Denounces False Rumors Linking Toxoplasmosis and Cat Ownership

Today we are refuting media headlines implying a deadly link between cat ownership and toxoplasmosis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that cats are rarely the source of toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and that people are unlikely to get sick from touching or owning a cat. People are more likely to contract toxoplasmosis from eating undercooked meat or gardening—not from cleaning their cat’s litter box.

The news reports the organization is rebutting reference a published study (“Toxoplasma gondii Infection and Self-directed Violence in Mothers”) that examined a potential relationship between toxoplasmosis infection and suicide risk in 45,788 Danish women. The study itself did not examine cats or cat ownership; however, media reports greatly exaggerated the risk of contracting the disease from cats.

Cats brought to shelters as a result of these rumors are more than likely to be killed there.

Read the Press Release.
Learn more about cats and community health.

July 10, 2012 - Fort Worth, Texas Residents: Attend a Meeting and Support Trap-Neuter-Return

Fort Worth Code Enforcement has drafted a local law intended to make their community a better place for cats. Community input is essential to ensure that the ordinance does what it intends to—actually protects cats and supports the hard work of compassionate caregivers doing Trap-Neuter-Return.

Fort Worth, TX Residents: We need you to attend a public meeting on Thursday and make sure the new law fully supports and encourages TNR.

Thursday, July 12
6:30 pm
Botanic Garden Auditorium
3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107

A good TNR ordinance keeps cats safe and makes caring for them easier for those who want to do the right thing. The city should build on the work that already is being done by caregivers, and not stand in the way of successful, progressive humane approaches for Fort Worth. A TNR ordinance that truly protects cats does not define caregivers as "owners" nor does it require that caregivers publicly disclose the locations of the colonies they care for.

Learn more about ordinances.

July 9, 2012 - Brevard County, Florida Residents: Speak Up to Protect Cats

For more than a decade, humanely caring for cats in Brevard County has been encouraged by one of this country’s earliest Trap-Neuter-Return ordinances. But this groundbreaking local law is now in jeopardy—and so are the cats. In an abrupt move, county commissioners suspended colony registration and are considering new restrictions that will diminish the lifesaving impact of this law. We need your help to let them know this is the wrong move.

Alley Cat Allies and local Trap-Neuter-Return organizations have worked to improve the Brevard County community since 1999, when we partnered with Animal Services to help pass the County’s Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance. Thanks to this ordinance, thousands of cats have been neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their homes outdoors instead of being killed in shelters, benefiting both the cats and the community at large.

Now, with no forewarning, Brevard County has stopped accepting new registrations of feral cat colonies. And—to make matters worse—if additional restrictions pass, it will severely limit the ability of caregivers to register colonies going forward, dealing a serious blow to cat care in Brevard. This would be a devastating reversal for a community that served as a model for Trap-Neuter-Return. Moreover, this change would cause taxpayers to shoulder additional, increased animal control costs.

Don’t let Brevard County turn back the clock on humane care. Contact your county commissioners now and ask them to end the suspension of Trap-Neuter-Return colony registration and to preserve the ordinance as-is.

Brevard County, FL Residents: Take Action!
Not in Brevard County, FL? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

July 9, 2012 - New California Budget Does Not Repeal Hayden Law

We’re excited to report that the governor of California, Jerry Brown, has approved a budget that does not repeal the Hayden Law! This landmark law has provided basic, crucial protections to cats and other animals in California shelters—such as necessary veterinary care and an extended holding period—for 14 years.

Earlier this year, Brown proposed repealing the Hayden Law as a cost-cutting measure, and we’ve been lobbying hard for months to protect it. Under the new budget bill, provisions of the Hayden Law that require state reimbursement will continue to be suspended, as they have been since 2009. But the bottom line is that this important law will remain on the books protecting animals’ lives!

We’ll keep you posted on any future updates.

July 5, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Bring the Facts to Misleading Stories about Cats and Toxoplasmosis

A recent study on toxoplasmosis has made news all over the world. But several news outlets have sensationalized the story with misleading headlines claiming that cats may be responsible for suicidal tendencies in women.

The study actually focuses on a possible link between toxoplasmosis and an increase in suicide risk. The Centers for Disease Control say the most likely source of toxoplasmosis is undercooked or raw meat—not your cat’s litter box.

Tuesday, Alley Cat Allies helped get the facts straight in an interview with CNN that aired on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.

Watch the interview.
Learn more about cats and public health.

July 2, 2012 - Be Prepared with Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Readiness Tips

Whether it's wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, or other severe weather, it pays to be prepared in the event of a disaster. Make sure you've got a plan in place for your family, companion animals, and feral cat colonies in the case of an unexpected emergency.

Get ready before the unthinkable happens. Disaster planning can save lives!

Read Alley Cat Allies' Disaster Preparedness Tips.

June 29, 2012 - Feral Assistance for Animals Displaced by Colorado Wildfires

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the wildfires in Colorado Springs and surrounding regions. Alley Cat Allies is currently working to coordinate care in the area among local resources. Residents who need remote assistance should email Alley Cat Allies at info@alleycat.org, Subject: Colorado Wildfires, or call the Alley Cat Allies Help Desk at 240-482-1980 Ext 330.

Many local resources are available to help animals displaced or endangered by the wildfires in Colorado. Contact the organization in the appropriate region for assistance.
 
Waldo Canyon /Colorado Springs area
 
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (HSPPR)
Call (719) 473-1741 for temporary shelter for animals.
Find out how you can help at www.hsppr.org/volunteerwaldocanyon.
 
Pine Creek Veterinary Hospital
Call (719) 955-0966 for temporary shelter for animals.
 
Rocky Mountain Health Care Services
Call (719) 641-2747 for human shelter allowing small pets to accompany evacuees.
 
High Park
 
Larimer Humane Society
www.larimerhumane.org
Call (970) 226-3647 ext. 7 for animal rescue, food and water for unevacuated animals, temporary animal shelter, and assistance finding lost pets.
 
Flagstaff/Boulder area
 
Humane Society of Boulder Valley
Wildfire Information & Pet Assistance Center
Call (303) 442-4030 and select option 1 for temporary animal shelter and assistance finding lost pets.
 
All Pets Animal Hospital
Call (303) 499-5335 for temporary shelter for small animals.

June 27, 2012 - Limited Version of Prince George's County, Maryland Eartipped Cat Bill Passes

We recently asked our supporters to support a bill intended to keep eartipped cats in Prince George’s County, Maryland out of the county shelter. Unfortunately, the language of the bill was later changed to limit the scope of eartipped cats who will be protected—which diminishes this ordinance’s lifesaving impact.

The Transportation Committee voted in favor of this weakened version of the bill last week.

Two weeks ago, Alley Cat Allies testified in favor of the eartipped cat bill in its original form, which would have returned more eartipped cats to their outdoor homes and kept them out of the county shelter. We have advocated to change the language back to its original version so that as many cats as possible will be protected.

This bill’s intention, all along, has been to keep cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs out of the county shelter. We expect Animal Control to live up to its responsibilities and the intention of the bill, which is to keep cats from being killed in the county shelter.

The full Prince George’s County Council is expected to hold a final hearing and vote on July 24.

June 13, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Educates Santa Ana Community on Flea Prevention and Humane Cat Care

Saturday, June 9 Alley Cat Allies and the Santa Ana Unified School District on Saturday hosted an educational fair aimed at raising awareness among residents about responsible pet care and flea prevention.

At the fair approximately 300 residents were provided with bilingual educational materials about flea prevention and low-cost spay/neuter services, and pet owners were also given flea treatment and flea combs for pets. Alley Cat Allies also donated hundreds of additional flea treatments to the city for ongoing preventive programs.

We are relieved to see the city of Santa Ana recognize and address the true source of typhus—fleas. This is a victory for the cats, and we support this new, effective direction for Santa Ana, its residents, and its animals.

Read the press release.

June 12, 2012 - Prince George’s County, Maryland Residents: Support a Bill to Keep Cats in TNR Programs out of Shelters

Almost every day, stories come in to us from around the country about neutered, eartipped feral cats who have been trapped and killed by animal control. Today residents can speak up to help prevent this from happening to eartipped cats in of Prince George’s County, MD.

Last week, County Councilmember Mary Lehman introduced an important bill designed to keep eartipped cats from being impounded in the county pound simply for being at-large. Under this law, eartipped cats trapped by animal control will instead be returned to their home outdoors. Or, if the site where they were trapped is unknown, cat organizations will be able to rescue them.

The bill has been referred to the Transportation Committee, which is holding a hearing this Thursday, June 14. Contact your council members today to ask them to support this bill.

Then, show your support by attending the meeting:

Thursday, June 14
10 a.m.
Prince George’s County Administration Building
17471 Governor Oden Bowie Drive
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Prince George’s County, MD Residents: Take Action!
Not in Prince George’s County, MD? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

June 7, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Requests an Immediate Moratorium on the Trapping of Cats at Aloe Village Senior Complex in Galloway, New Jersey

Today we are urging residents at the Aloe Village Senior Complex and officials in Galloway Township, N.J. to adopt proven and humane solutions in lieu of catching kittens and cats and turning them into the shelter where six kittens from the Complex have already been killed.

We are ready to offer support with high-volume spay/neuter, and assistance with the adoption of kittens and friendly cats and the implementation of a Trap-Neuter-Return program. Information and education on how to use deterrents to keep the cats out of gardens and away from homes will also be provided.

Alley Cat Allies staff will be on site today at the Aloe Village Senior Complex to assess the situation and provide information and help to residents.

Residents who are interested in helping with our efforts should contact Alley Cat Allies at alleycat@alleycat.org or call 240-482-1992.

Read the Press Release.

UPDATE (6/7 2:01pm EST): Great news, everyone! We have spoken with the on-site property management and they are thrilled to have Alley Cat Allies establish a Trap-Neuter-Return Program with them.

June 4, 2012 - Wake County, North Carolina Commissioners Adopt Trap-Neuter-Return Law

We’re thrilled to report that this afternoon, the Wake County, N.C. Commissioners formally adopted Trap-Neuter-Return into law. Trap-Neuter-Return is now officially supported and endorsed for cats and caregivers in Wake County!

This new humane ordinance is the culmination of a long campaign to protect cats’ lives in Wake County by Alley Cat Allies and Wake Voice for Animals Cat Committee, comprised of local animal organizations, including Operation Catnip, the SPCA of Wake County, SAFE Haven for Cats, Cat Angels Pet Adoptions, and Alley Cats and Angels.

Thank you to the hundreds of people who reached out to their County Commissioners in support of the cats. You made it happen!

Read the Press Release.

May 31, 2012 - UPDATE: Lifesaving Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA) Voted Down by Agricultural Committee

We’re extremely disappointed to report that Assembly Bill 7312—the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA), a bill that could have saved the lives of countless animals across your state—was voted down in committee today. Despite the support of compassionate New Yorkers across the state, some members of the Assembly Agriculture Committee still rejected this important overhaul of New York’s shelter system.

CAARA contained many lifesaving provisions—provisions requiring shelters to transfer any animal that would otherwise be killed to willing rescue groups; improving standards of care for impounded animals; and making shelter operations more transparent to the public by requiring shelters to disclose what happened to animals under their care.

Despite the committee’s disappointing decision, we will continue to fight for humane laws that protect and improve the lives of animals in New York’s pounds and shelters, and everywhere. We applaud the leadership of Assemblymember Micah Kellner for pushing this humane bill forward. Thank you for speaking up to save animals’ lives. We’ll let you know when it’s time to take action again.

May 30, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on New York Lawmakers to Support Historic Animal Sheltering Bill

Today we're calling on lawmakers on the New York State Assembly’s Agriculture Committee to support Assembly Bill 7312, the New York Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA), when the bill is offered at a committee hearing on Thursday, May 31.

Under CAARA, if a rescue group is willing to take an animal, the shelter must release that animal to the rescue group; animals would no longer be killed because the impoundment period is up.

The bill would also implement commonsense, basic protocols to reunite lost animals with their owners and caregivers, such as requiring shelters to scan for microchips. CAARA would also establish an improved, more specific standard of care for impounded animals, including requiring a clean living space, appropriate exercise, and fresh food and water daily.

CAARA would also promote transparency at animal pounds and shelters, requiring them to disclose information about what happens to animals under their care.

Read the Press Release.

May 29, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Urges Santa Ana to Stop Killing Cats in Typhus Eradication Effort

Today we are urging public health workers in Santa Ana, California to stop trapping and killing cats in a misguided effort to eradicate flea-born typhus.

This trapping ignores the basic scientific fact that typhus is not spread by cats—it is caused by a bacteria spread by fleas. Killing cats is cruel and is not a solution. Fleas are versatile parasites and will simply find another host, as dogs, raccoons, opossums, mice and all mammals as well as birds are potential hosts for fleas. Outbreaks of the disease are rare.

We advise officials in Santa Ana to follow the example of other areas with typhus cases by focusing their efforts on controlling the source of typhus—fleas. Instead of killing feral cats, who avoid people by nature, Santa Ana officials should provide community resources for residents to treat and protect their pets, whom they come in contact with every day.

Read the Press Release.
Learn why cats are safe members of our communities.

May 29, 2012 - New York State Residents: Change New York's Shelters to Save Animals' Lives

On Thursday, the New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing on Assembly Bill 7312, the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (CAARA). If passed, CAARA will overhaul New York’s pound and shelter system to save animals' lives; improve the standard of care for animals in pounds and shelters; and help establish New York as the leader in humane animal care.

Under CAARA, if a rescue group is willing to take an animal who would otherwise be killed, the shelter must release that animal to the rescue group; animals will no longer be killed because the impoundment period is up. This law would implement commonsense, basic protocols to reunite lost animals with their owners and caregivers, such as requiring shelters to scan for microchips. CAARA would also establish an improved standard of care for impounded animals, including requiring a clean living space, appropriate exercise, and fresh food and water daily.

CAARA makes animal pound and shelter operations transparent to the public, requiring them to disclose information about what happens to animals under their care. New York residents will be able to assess for yourself how well your local shelter is doing for the animals.

This is a lifesaving bill for the animals of New York. Help us make these long-overdue humane measures become law.

New York State Residents: Take Action!
Not in New York State? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

May 25, 2012 - Oklahoma City, OK Residents: Ask Your City Council to Support an Ordinance for a Citywide TNR Program

The Oklahoma City Council is considering an ordinance change that will save cats’ lives by creating a citywide TNR program run by Oklahoma City’s animal shelter.

The number one cause of death for cats nationwide is being killed in an animal shelter. It’s time for change, starting in your own community. Urge your council members to support this new law, which will allow the city shelter to neuter, vaccinate, eartip, and return feral cats to their homes outdoors.

Oklahoma City, OK Residents: Take Action!
Not in Oklahoma City? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

May 25, 2012 - Changing Communities for Cats on National Feral Cat Day® 2012

October 16, 2012 is National Feral Cat Day®, and our theme this year is Changing Communities for Cats. Protecting cats and changing communities to help them is bringing society—the place where you live—in line with our values of caring, humane and ethical treatment. As the big day gets closer, we’ll show you how to follow the example of communities like Washington, DC, that have transformed the way they care for cats and have embraced cat-friendly policies and practices. This year’s NFCD is going to be the biggest yet, so save the date to celebrate with us!

May 23, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Sponsors Spay-a-Thon for Canton Cats

Alley Cat Allies is sponsoring a two-week “Spay-a-Thon” for feral and pet cats from Canton, Ohio!

The Canton Spay-a-Thon will be open to unowned/outdoor (feral) and pet cats from within the Canton city limits from May 30 through June 13. Services offered to eligible cats include free spay/neuter, rabies and FVRCP vaccinations, and eartipping (for feral cats only). The services will be provided by appointment only, and residents must call the Alley Cat Allies hotline (1-855-264-CATS) to schedule an appointment.

Trap-Neuter-Return ends the breeding cycle and makes the cats better and healthier neighbors by stopping behaviors associated with mating, like yowling, roaming and fighting. Spaying and neutering cats is the only effective and humane approach to stabilizing cat populations.

Read the Press Release.
Find low-cost spay/neuter resources in your area.

May 22, 2012 - UPDATE: Wake County, North Carolina Commissioners Agree to Adopt TNR Ordinance

Good news! The Wake County Commissioners agreed to adopt a humane Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance with all of the major points we proposed! Under the new ordinance, caregivers of cats in Trap-Neuter-Return programs will not be fined or cited, and they will be able to retrieve cats that are impounded in the county shelter. Animal control will no longer be forced to impound cats at large, and will not impound eartipped cats. Animal control will refer residents to local animal organizations like the SPCA of Wake County, Operation Catnip, and Safe Haven for Cats and work with those groups to educate residents about Trap-Neuter-Return.

This ordinance will protect cats, encourage more caregivers to participate in TNR programs, and create an environment that allows TNR programs to expand in Wake County. We expect the commissioners to formally adopt the Trap-Neuter-Return ordinance at their next scheduled meeting on June 4, 2012, and we will keep you posted.

This new, life-saving ordinance is the culmination of a cooperative effort to change Wake County’s treatment of cats by Alley Cat Allies and the Wake Voice for Animals' Cat Committee, comprised of local animal agencies, including SPCA Wake, SAFE Haven for Cats, Cat Angels Pet Adoptions, Operation Catnip and Alley Cats and Angels.

Thank you to everyone who took action! Your letters showed the Commissioners that Wake County cares about the humane treatment of cats!

May 21, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on Wake County, North Carolina Commissioners to Vote in Lifesaving Laws

Today we join local supporters in calling on the Wake County, N.C. Board of Commissioners to support a humane ordinance that supports Trap-Neuter-Return and protects the lives of cats, and to reject an approach that would continue to send outdoor cats to the county pound, where they are killed.

Animal protection groups in North Carolina and Alley Cat Allies have joined forces to propose a balanced ordinance that supports Trap-Neuter-Return, the only effective and humane approach to feral cats in a community.

We need new ordinances that support the lifesaving efforts of compassionate feral cat caregivers. TNR respects the lives of the cats while stabilizing and ultimately reducing the population. It makes the cats better and healthier neighbors by ending mating behaviors like yowling and fighting. Dozens of communities across the country have embraced TNR after decades of failed ‘catch and kill.'

The Wake County Commission was scheduled to meet today, May 21 at 2 p.m. at the Wake County Courthouse.

Read the Press Release.
Learn more about ordinances.

May 11, 2012 - This Mother’s Day, show your love with an eCard from Alley Cat Allies!

Mother’s Day is just two days away, but there’s still time to show your mom—and all the mothers in your life—how much you care.

Send a Mother’s Day greeting with an Alley Cat Allies eCard to make this day extra special. These precious moms and their kittens are the perfect way to say, “I love you!” Plus, these eCards help spread the word about the important work we’re doing to protect cats all across the country.

Send a Mother’s Day eCard today!

May 11, 2012 - Alabama Residents: Take Action to Keep Spay/Neuter Affordable in Your State!

Affordable spay/neuter in Alabama is under threat by an outdated law that could force clinics run by nonprofit organizations to close their doors. Bills protecting these clinics passed both the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. Now, they are being combined into one bill—and your help is crucial to make sure it passes.

Procedures at spay/neuter clinics are conducted by licensed veterinarians who offer all animals high-quality care. By focusing on spaying and neutering, veterinarians are able to perform more surgeries while significantly lowering the cost for each procedure. These clinics are vital to making spay/neuter more affordable, and more accessible, to more Alabamans.

Contact your Alabama State Senator and Representative now and ask them to support affordable spay/neuter access.

Alabama Residents: Take Action!
Not in Alabama? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

May 7, 2012 - Spring Cleaning for the Atlantic City Boardwalk Cats Project

The Boardwalk Cats need your help to get ready for Spring! Tasks include: filling cat shelters with new straw, repositioning shelters to protect them from wind and rain, picking up trash and debris, and repairing any damaged structures.

Three colony cleanups are scheduled in May to get the cats ready before tourist season begins:

Saturday, May 19: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Meet at the Taj Mahal on the beach

Sunday, May 20: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Meet at Tennessee Avenue and the Boardwalk

If you're able to help, contact Amanda at acasazza@alleycat.org or 609-892-6235.

Learn more about the Boardwalk Cats Project.

April 19, 2012 - Next Steps to Save Loews Cats

We continue to offer assistance with reestablishing TNR to the Loews Orlando resorts that have been trapping and removing cats from their property. It’s not too late for them to make the responsible and humane decision. We also continue our aid to the local group that is rescuing Loews cats from the shelter; we’re helping them find foster and permanent locations for the cats and providing them with much needed supplies for their ongoing care. The health and well-being of these cats who lost their only home is of the utmost importance to us.

What can you do to help? Commit publicly (on your Facebook, a letter to Loews, an email to friends) to boycott Loews and any of their holdings including:

• Loews Resorts
• Loews Entertainment (movie theaters)
• CNA Financial
• Bulova Timepieces

...until they rethink their position on outdoor cats at Loews.

It's important that we to continue to get the word about Loews Cats.

More ideas for what you can do to help Save Loews Cats.

April 17, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Denounces Worcester County, MD Animal Control for Killing Pet Cats

We're speaking out against Animal Control of Worcester County, Md. after news reports that the agency had trapped and killed pet cats without keeping the cats for the required 10-day holding period or determining whether the cats had owners.

This heartbreaking situation is a prime example of a shelter system that is truly broken and not accountable to its constituents. Being killed in an animal pound or shelter is the leading documented cause of death for cats in the United States—7 out of every 10 cats taken to shelters are killed there. No cat is safe—stray, feral or pet.

We join the neighborhood in their outrage and we are investigating this situation and calling for changes in the shelter’s practices and management.

Read the Press Release.

April 17, 2012 - Watch and Share Our “Save Loews Cats” Video

We won’t let Loews Hotels get away with mistreating cats—and neither should you. Get the word out by watching our video and sharing it with your friends. Help us expose Loews Hotels’ inhumane trapping to remove healthy, neutered feral cat colonies from its properties. Together we can Save Loews Cats!

Watch the video.
Learn more about our campaign to Save Loews Cats.

April 14, 2012 - Protest of Loews Orlando Attracts 68 Activists!

Today, concerned citizens and activists in the Orlando, Florida area joined Alley Cat Allies in protesting the inhumane trapping of feral cats at the Loews Orlando properties. Sixty-eight people raised their voices—and their signs—against the Loews Royal Pacific, Loews Portofino, and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resorts after management made the decision to trap and remove the 23 feral cats who have lived peacefully on the properties for years. Stay tuned for a more detailed account of the event. And keep signing our petition!

You can add your voice here.
Learn more about our campaign to Save Loews Cats!

April 12, 2012 - Loews Refuses to Stop Trapping Cats

For months, Alley Cat Allies has reached out to Loews Orlando resorts’ executives with offers of hands-on help in sustaining the  humane TNR program for the cats on their properties.

Tonight, we heard from them for the first time. However, their goal in calling was an attempt to persuade Alley Cat Allies to support their removal of the cats. We asked for an immediate moratorium on the trapping, so that all parties could discuss solutions that reflect the humane and compassionate interests of the cats, of their hotel guests, employees, their organization’s bottom line, and the tens of thousands of you who have called on them to halt their inhumane trapping. They denied the request, and told us they would not stop trapping.

Alley Cat Allies will not support any effort to remove these healthy, neutered, and harmless cats from the home they have known for years. Loews has made an uninformed and cruel decision. While we aid local groups in their efforts to remedy the tragedy that Loews has inflicted on the cats by helping them avoid certain death in the shelter, we remain steadfast in our calls to stop the trap and remove process—and embrace the humane solution that was already working on their properties: Trap-Neuter-Return.

Learn more.

April 12, 2012 - Protest Loews Hotels' Trapping of Feral Cats in Orlando, FL

Join us this Saturday in Orlando to show Loews that we demand humane treatment for the cats on their properties.

Saturday, April 14
Noon to 2 pm
At the corner of Universal Blvd. and Vineland Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
Get directions.
(Parking is available at Studio Plaza, 5979 Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819.)

If you and your friends plan on rallying with us, we’d love to hear from you so we can come prepared—please send us an email with the number of people attending from your group at rsvp@alleycat.org. 

If you’re not able to make the protest, you can still get involved:

• Sign the petition and encourage your friends and family to as well!
• Stand with the protesters in Orlando by posting this image to your Facebook page.

Show Loews what you think of their inhumane treatment of cats!

Learn more.

April 9, 2012 - Loews Executives hear from 21,000 of our supporters… and counting!

Today we delivered our petition to executives at Loews Orlando resorts, calling on Loews to stop the inhumane trapping of feral cats at their properties. More than 11,000 of you had signed the petition. And as of now, there are 10,000 MORE signatures! Keep signing—talk to your friends and family, and ask them to get involved. We will continue to deliver the signatures and make your voices heard.

Add your name to the petition.
Learn more.

April 9, 2012 - Loews Hotels Continues Trapping Cats

Over the weekend Alley Cat Allies continued our work to save the cats who are being trapped at Loews resorts in Orlando. We learned that on Saturday, an 11th cat was trapped—and came into the shelter with injuries on his nose. He was promptly released to a local rescue group, where he will join his colony-mates safe from harm at the shelter but will not be allowed to return to his outdoor home. We also learned that caregivers (and anyone caught approaching the traps) have been approached by security guards, threatened with trespassing, and escorted off the premises. Caregivers continue to be forbidden to care for the cats who remain on the properties. Stay tuned for further updates.

Read the Care2 article about Loews.
Learn more.

April 5, 2012 - Take Action: Loews Cats Suffering; Sign Our Petition to Stop Loews from Inhumane Trapping of Cats

As Loews Royal Pacific, Loews Portofino, and Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resorts in Orlando, Florida roll ahead with their outrageous plan to remove healthy, neutered cats, hired exterminator Critter Control is ignoring humane trapping protocol by leaving cats in uncovered traps in the hot sun. Reports and photos from guests and employees reveal that distressed cats left exposed to 89 degree heat have suffered cuts and bloody noses while trying to escape from their traps. Poor Shadow suffered this heartbreaking gash on her forehead during trapping, prompting a hotel guest to complain to staff about her condition. (Shadow has since been rescued for foster by a local TNR group.)

Loews has threatened employees with losing their jobs if they feed the cats. These beautiful animals, once well-cared for, have now been starving for days, while their caregivers are forced to stand by and watch them suffer. As Loews refuses the pleas of guests and employees and the advice and assistance of local and national experts, the hotel chain continues to call itself “pet-friendly.”

Stand with Alley Cat Allies right away and demand that Loews stop this inhumane treatment now. We need as many people as possible to stand with us to protect these cats.

Sign our petition calling on Loews to stop trapping cats right now.

Read our press release.

April 4, 2012 - Send us photos of the cats in your life—indoors or out—to be featured in our 2013 calendar!

Each and every Alley Cat Allies supporter has one or more special cats in their life. Maybe it’s the beautiful Siamese cat you share your home with. Or maybe it’s the shy tabby who lives under your porch.

Take a picture of your beloved cat (or cats) and send it to us by APRIL 6 at alleycatalliesphotos@gmail.com. While we’d love to use all the photos we receive, we’ll only be able to choose a few to include in the calendar.

Looking forward to seeing what you all come up with!

March 29, 2012 - Loews is Removing Their Outdoor Cats—Tell Them They're Losing Your Business!

Yesterday, Loews Portofino Bay in Orlando announced that 23 cats living in a model TNR colony on the property will be “relocated” to a local animal shelter. The hotel failed to mention that just like all feral cats entering shelters, these cats will likely be killed unless other arrangements can be found for them.

Loews is marketing themselves as “pet-friendly” while uprooting healthy, neutered and vaccinated, content cats from the only home they have ever known and taking them to local animal control. The hotel made this hypocritical decision in the face of repeated offers from Alley Cat Allies and others to help work out a humane solution, as well as thousands of pleas from compassionate vacationers.

Don’t let Loews off the hook. Contact Loews to let them know you won’t support a business that claims to be pet-friendly while handing cats a death sentence. Tell them that if the cats can’t stay, neither will you.

Take Action Today!

March 28, 2012 - Loews Update: Managed TNR Colony to be Trapped and Removed to Animal Shelter

Purportedly “pet-friendly” hotel Loews Portofino Bay quietly posted a comment on their Facebook page today announcing that the TNR-managed feral cat colony making their home at the hotel will be removed and brought to the county animal services center. Ignoring offers of help and calls for humane approaches from Alley Cat Allies, Loews claimed the cats would be “relocated” to their new destination--with no mention of the fact that nearly 100% of feral cats entering shelters are killed. In doing so, they are threatening the lives of the cats and ignoring months of pleas from the humane community and compassionate vacationers.

Loews buried this shocking announcement in a comment on a two-month old note. Don’t let them hide this despicable decision. Share this message with everyone you know to show your disapproval!

March 28, 2012 - Alabama Residents: Keep Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics Open

Access to affordable spay/neuter is threatened in Alabama.

Recently, some members of the State Board of Veterinary Examiners began using an outdated, archaic law to target affordable spay/neuter clinics run by nonprofits and stop them from operating.

Members of the state senate have presented a bill to combat this attack and make sure these life-saving clinics can continue to operate. Alabama residents, contact your senators now to ask them to support HB 156 and affordable spay/neuter access for all citizens.

Alabama Residents: Take Action!
Not in Alabama? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

March 20, 2012 - Sign our Petition to Stop the Killing

Seven out of 10 cats that go into animal pounds and shelters in the U.S. are killed there. In fact, that’s the number one documented cause of death for cats in this country.

Alley Cat Allies is calling for an end to the killing, but to make a difference and save cats’ lives, we need as many people as possible to take a stand. Add your name today to join the movement and help stop the killing. We can save lives, but only with your help.

Sign our petition.

March 16, 2012 - Wake County, North Carolina Residents: Ask Your County Commissioners to Protect Cats in Wake County

Outdoor cats are not safe under current law and a proposed ordinance being considered by Wake County commissioners. In fact, cats are being trapped now, and caregivers have not been allowed to reclaim them.

Effective TNR ordinances promote and encourage TNR. They keep cats safe and make caring for them easier for those who want to do the right thing. Unfortunately, ineffective TNR ordinances like the one currently in front of the commissioners discourage compassionate people from caring for cats by placing needless restrictions and punishments on them.

Let your county commissioners know that you care about the outcome of their decision and how it affects cats and caregivers in Wake County.

Wake County, North Carolina Residents: Take Action!
Not in Wake County? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

March 14, 2012 - Florida Animal Rescue Act Not Moving Forward in 2012

After months of efforts by the animal protection community, concerned legislators, and you, our supporters, we are disappointed to report that the Florida Animal Rescue Act will not be moving forward this year.

The Florida Animal Rescue Act would have prohibited shelters from killing any animal in a pound or shelter if a rescue group was willing to take the animal. It also would have required pounds and shelters to tell the public what really happens to animals accepted into their shelters: whether they are killed, adopted, or returned to their owner.

Although this groundbreaking legislation was unanimously passed by the Florida State Senate Committee on Community Affairs, the bill stalled when certain animal control agencies spoke out in favor of the status quo.

We are disappointed with this outcome, but rest assured, we will continue to monitor and work on improving Florida's shelter policies in the future.

March 13, 2012 - Pressing for Better Policies for Canton, Ohio Cats

We are disappointed and astounded to report that the Canton City Council voted to renew the contract of a private animal control service for two years, despite opposition from local citizens and continuing controversy over mistreatment of animals by the contractor.

Before the city council’s vote, at least 16 citizens spoke out against renewing the contract, and none spoke out in favor of it.

Alley Cat Allies will hold a Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, March 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the McKinley Room of the Stark County District Library (715 Market Ave. N, Canton.), where we will present a plan to help the city effectively and humanely control the city’s stray and feral cat population.

Read the Press Release.

March 13, 2012 - Praise for Virginia Authorities for Guilty Verdict in Cat Beating Death, Calls for Officer’s Dismissal

In November Officer J.N. Snoddy was accused of viciously beating an injured cat to death with his nighstick on the porch of a resident's home.

Our thanks and appreciation to the judge and to the Virginia State Police for investigating and pressing charges.

While we commend the guilty verdict in this case the sentence—a $50 fine—is disappointing. To retain someone found guilty of a violent crime against an animal as an officer of public safety is dangerous for the community.

Read the Press Release.

March 9, 2012 - California Residents: Save the Hayden Law, Save Animals' Lives

For 14 years, provisions in the Hayden Law have guaranteed basic protections for animals entering California’s shelters. Veterinary care for sick or injured animals. An extended hold period that helps more animals get adopted or returned to their owners. Tools that help lost animals be found. Required record keeping. Equal care for bunnies, guinea pigs, other small mammals, and amphibians.

On Tuesday, the Budget Subcommittee in the State Assembly will consider changes to the law. We can’t let California go back to the dark ages.

Here's what you can do:

• Take Action: Ask the budget committee to stop the repeal in its tracks.
• Raise your Voice: Attend a rally in Sacramento on the north steps of the capitol building (1315 10th Street) at 11:45 on Tuesday, March 13.
• Tell Your Friends: Share this image with your friends and family.

Together, we can defend the Hayden Law and protect California’s animals.

Not in California? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

March 6, 2012 - Be prepared for disasters—for you, and the cats you care for

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent tornadoes and violent storms in the South and Midwest. We are reaching out to our network in the affected areas to ascertain the situation and determine how we can help. Anyone with information about groups and individuals helping cats in these areas that may need assistance and support should email us at info@alleycat.org.

The recent storms are a reminder that it’s important that all of us have an emergency plan in place. Disasters can strike at any time. For the safety of your pets, feral cat colonies, and your family make sure you know what to do to prepare, and respond to emergencies.

Read our disaster preparedness tips.

February 28, 2012 - NEW featured presentation video: Fairfax County, VA Animal Shelter Trap-Neuter-Return Program

Check out our latest video about Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s Trap-Neuter-Return program. It's an excellent and successful example of a community coming together to create the best environment it can for cats.

Watch the video online!

February 23, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on Canton, Ohio to Immediately Suspend Animal Control Contractor

We’re calling on Canton, OH to immediately suspend a contractor tasked with carrying out a component of the city’s animal control services, pending an investigation into a videotaped incident in which the contractor was witnessed seriously mistreating a dog.

In January we supported community members at a city council meeting, calling for Canton to not renew the city’s animal control services contract and implement a humane and cost-effective program that would help save lives. The annual contract with the individual was not renewed, but a 90-day contract with him was put in place instead.

Under Canton’s animal control policy the city spends about $27,000 of taxpayer funds per year to capture animals and deliver them to the Stark County Humane Society. Although the Humane Society does not keep records, we know from the contractor’s records that last year 399 cats and kittens were captured. Nationally more than 70% of all cats who enter pounds and shelters are killed there.

Canton needs to abandon this cruel approach and adopt humane programs that really work.

Read the Press Release.
Read the article (with link to video).

February 16, 2012 - New York Residents: Applaud Assemblyman Lentol for Standing Up for Animals' Lives

Last night, the chairman of the Codes Committee, Joseph Lentol, stopped A 5449 from moving forward by pledging on his Facebook page not to report this bill to the full assembly. Displaying compassion and common sense, Chairman Lentol acknowledged the “legitimate questions” raised by the humane community and voiced his own concern over this dangerous bill.

A 5449 is a dangerous piece of legislation that would allow any animal perceived to be in “psychological pain” to be immediately killed, and would severely limit rescue groups' ability to save threatened animals.

Help us thank Joseph Lentol for his leadership and let him know that New Yorkers support his decision and oppose A 5449!

New York Residents: Take Action!
Not in New York? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

February 15, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Sounds Alarm over Problematic New York State Animal Shelter Bill

We are gravely concerned about a bill (A. 5449) in the New York State legislature that would lead to many more animals being killed in animal pounds and shelters across the state.

The bill's troubling language would:

• Allow shelters to kill animals deemed to be in “psychological pain”
• Restrict the access of animal rescue groups looking to save animals in shelter facilities

Today the bill passed the New York State Assembly’s Agriculture Committee and is moving on to the Codes Committee before being considered by the full Assembly.

Several aspects of the bill would have devastating unintended consequences. We hope the full New York Assembly will heed our call to amend it, and we’ll keep you updated as we work to stop this bill from moving forward as written.

Read the Press Release.

February 14, 2012 - Virginia Residents: Keep Up the Momentum--Support SB 359 in the Virginia House of Delegates

Last week, the Virginia State Senate voted resoundingly in favor of SB 359, an important bill which will help support humane feral cat care across the state. SB 359 makes it clear that localities can carry out Trap-Neuter-Return, the humane and effective approach for feral cats.

SB 359 has just been referred to the House Agriculture Committee, and the committee could vote on the bill as soon as tomorrow. Your continued support is critical for the success of the bill that will protect the right to practice TNR—saving cats' lives all across the state.

Virginia Residents: Take Action!
Not in Virginia? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

February 14, 2012 - Send Some Cat Love to the Ones You Love

From cute to romantic to silly, you can share your affection for felines with friends and family of all different stripes with a free Alley Cat Allies eCard.

By sending an eCard, you’ll not only let someone know you care, but you’ll also spread the word about the important work we’re doing to protect and improve cats’ lives throughout the country.

Send a free Alley Cat Allies eValentine.

February 10, 2012 - Pro-Feral Cat Bill Passes the Virginia Senate

You spoke, and they listened! Wednesday the Virginia Senate approved legislation that would support Trap-Neuter-Return with a strong, bipartisan vote of 31 to 8. Thank you for your strong support of this important bill.

SB 359 will make it clear that localities can carry out Trap-Neuter-Return, and makes important clarifications that are crucial to supporting humane care for cats across the state of Virginia.

The bill now must go through the same process in the Virginia House of Delegates. Stay tuned next week for more information.

February 9, 2012 - California Residents: Save Hayden's Law!

Governor Jerry Brown has proposed a repeal of Hayden’s Law, an action that would endanger the lives of all animals entering California’s pounds and shelters. Since its introduction in 1998, Hayden’s Law has successfully raised humane standards in California’s pounds and shelters from near bottom nationally and worked to reduce the number of animals killed. Repealing this law would undo progressive legislation and return California’s shelters to killing tens of thousands more animals each year.

Alley Cat Allies does not support the repeal of Hayden’s Law, and we know you won’t stand for turning back the clock on saving animals’ lives. Californians, help us defend the legislation that raises shelter standards in your state.

California Residents: Take Action!
Not in California? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

February 6, 2012 - Virginia Residents: Support Trap-Neuter-Return—Help SB 359 Pass the Senate

Help us pass Virginia’s SB 359! This proactive bill will make it clear that municipalities can carry out TNR, the humane and effective approach for feral cats. While it won’t require TNR, this important bill will protect the right to practice it.

SB 359 has already passed committee and is headed to the full state senate for a vote this week. Quick action is critical—educate your senators about the benefits of TNR and show them that Virginians want humane policies for cats.

Virginia Residents: Take Action!
Not in Virginia? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

February 3, 2012 - Victory! Two Cats Held by Wake County Animal Shelter Released Today

Today we're happy to announce that two cats that were trapped last week from a managed and Trap-Neuter-Returned colony in Wake County have finally been released from the Wake County Animal Shelter into the care of Operation Catnip.

The cats will be cared for by a concerned citizen from the county.

We will continue the dialogue with Wake County regarding Trap-Neuter-Return to ensure the protection of all cats.

See more photos on our Facebook Page.

February 3, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Asks California Governor: Don't Repeal Hayden Law

Today we asked California Governor Jerry Brown to reconsider his proposal to repeal significant portions of the Hayden Law, a state law that provides standards to help animals in public and private animal shelters, and makes the shelters more accountable to the public.

The Hayden Law facilitates very basic protections for animals, designed to decrease shelter kill rates including:

• Expanding the holding period before a stray animal could be killed to increase chances of adoption or reclamation by owner.
• Easing the adoption of at-risk animals by rescue groups.
• Aiding in reuniting owners with lost pets.
• Providing necessary veterinary care to those animals who enter shelters sick or injured.

Prior to the Hayden Law, California’s animal shelter standards were ranked at the bottom nationally. Citizens want humane, common-sense solutions to end the killing in animal pounds and shelters. Instead of reversing the gains made under the Hayden Law, California should be looking to build on them.

Read the Press Release.

February 2, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Announces Two Cats Held by Wake County Animal Center to be Released to Operation Catnip

Two cats in Wake County are safe. The temporary restraining order against Wake County Animal Center has been withdrawn and the two cats will be released to be cared for by a concerned citizen in the county. The cats had been trapped last week from a managed and Trap-Neuter-Returned colony and Wake County Animal Center refused to release the cats to Operation Catnip, a renowned cat organization in Raleigh.

The lawsuit regarding a breach of contract between Wake County and Operation Catnip and a Trap-Neuter-Return program remains active. Wake County has 60 days to respond to the lawsuit.

We are grateful that the lives of these cats have been saved and we look forward to a dialog with Wake County to discuss a long-term humane solution for the cats and the community.

Read the Press Release.

February 1, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Backs Operation Catnip's Lawsuit against Wake County, North Carolina

We have now retained attorney Calley Gerber of Gerber Animal Law Center to advocate on behalf of Operation Catnip against Wake County, North Carolina.
 
The lawsuit asks the Court to issue a temporary restraining order preventing Wake County from killing the two cats. In addition, the lawsuit claims a breach of contract by Wake County in regards to an agreement between Wake County and Operation Catnip and a pilot Trap-Neuter-Return program.

Last week, Wake County Animal Control trapped at least two cats from a managed and Trap-Neuter-Returned colony in Wake County. Wake County Animal Center refuses to release the cats to Operation Catnip, a renowned cat organization in Raleigh that has spayed and neutered thousands of outdoor cats in the Wake County area.
 
Together with Operation Catnip, Alley Cat Allies requested that the cats’ lives be saved and that Wake County collaborate with the two organizations on a humane approach for outdoor cats. Wake County has refused to cooperate.
 
Read the Press Release.
View the news coverage.

February 1, 2012 - Loews Loves Pets, But Not Feral Cats

Last week, we told you about Loews Hotels in Orlando that have stopped supporting TNR programs on their grounds and called for the cats to be relocated. More than 6,000 of you have written to Loews to ask them to embrace the humane approach and stop trapping and removing cats.

Removing cats from their home is cruel—they are strongly bonded to the area and to each other—and it creates a stressful, completely unnecessary trauma for the cats. In addition, removing cats and relocating them won’t work; new cats will take advantage of the now-available territory. Despite these facts, Loews maintains support for removing the cats. How will Loews care for those new cats who appear?

You can still show Loews that you support humane solutions for cats—and that you won’t support a business that does not. Post your thoughts on their Facebook page and share this post with your friends.

January 31, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Calls on Canton, Ohio to Adopt New Spay/Neuter Policies for Cats

We are calling on city leaders in Canton, Ohio to suspend the city’s current animal control contract and consider new humane approaches to managing the population of feral and stray cats.

At a City Council meeting on Monday, officials discussed renewing Canton’s animal control contract. In the last fiscal year, 399 cats and kittens were captured, taken to the Stark County Humane Society, where they were most likely killed.

A local advocate delivered our written testimony asking the city council to suspend the contract and consider alternative and humane programs for cats, including accessible and affordable spay/neuter.

Thanks to the raised voices of concerned citizens, the annual contract for nuisance animal control services has not been renewed at this time. We will continue to discuss humane alternatives for cats with the council and keep you updated.

Read the Press Release.
Read the article.

January 30, 2012 - Wake County, North Carolina Residents: Stop Wake County Animal Center from Killing Two Cats

Wake County Animal Center has trapped two cats from a managed and Trap-Neuter-Returned colony. Although both cats are cared for and one is already neutered and vaccinated, the shelter refuses to release the cats to Operation Catnip, a renowned feral cat organization in Raleigh that has spayed and neutered thousands of cats in the Wake County area.

Together with Operation Catnip, we have requested that the cats’ lives be saved and that the shelter work with us on a humane approach for outdoor cats.

Wake County residents, contact your county managers now to let them know that you want these cats to live and that you support humane cat care for all of Wake County.

Wake County, North Carolina Residents: Take Action!
Read the Press Release.
Not in Wake County, North Carolina? Learn how you can improve the lives of cats in your community.

January 26, 2012 - Florida Senate Committee Unanimously Passes Florida Animal Rescue Act

Thanks to the Florida State Senate Committee on Community Affairs for unanimously passing the Florida Animal Rescue Act (S.B. 818/H.B. 597), and State Sen. Mike Bennett (R) for sponsoring this groundbreaking legislation.

Under the Animal Rescue Act, animal pounds and shelters in Florida would be prohibited from killing an animal if an established rescue group is willing to take the animal. The bill would also require pounds and shelters to maintain a public intake and disposition “registry,” which would provide data for all animals taken into shelters and information about whether they are killed, adopted or returned to their owner. The bill includes protections that would only allow legitimate, registered rescue groups to claim animals.

Current animal shelter policies in most states cause the vast majority of cats entering shelters—more than 70 percent—to be killed there. Passing of the Animal Rescue Act is an important step forward.

Read the Press Release.
Florida Residents: Support the Florida Animal Rescue Act in the State House.
Learn more about cat fatalities in shelters.

January 25, 2012 - Spay or Neuter Cats Now Before "Kitten Season"

When temperatures rise each spring, it marks the beginning of “kitten season,” the time of year when millions of kittens are born and brought to animal shelters nationwide. Unfortunately, few of these kittens find adoptive homes. Many, if not most, of them are killed in shelters.

Cats have an approximately 60-day gestation period, so spring kittens are being conceived right now, in January and February. In addition, cats can become pregnant as early as four months of age, so last year’s kittens can be producing this year’s litters.

Prevention is key. We're urging community members to have their pet cats spayed or neutered as soon as possible. It's also a crucial time to neuter neighborhood stray and feral cats through Trap-Neuter-Return--which stabilizes local cat populations and improves cats' lives.

Read the Press Release.
Find local spay/neuter resources.
Learn more about Trap-Neuter-Return.

January 23, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Calls for Full Investigation into Cat's Violent Beating Death in Arkansas

According to news reports, a pet Siamese cat belonging to the family of a campaign manager for an Arkansas congressional candidate was violently beaten to death by trespassers and left for the family to find.

Our hearts go out to the family, and we demand a full investigation by authorities into this heinous act.

Killing a cat is a crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and there is a well established link between violence against animals and other violent behaviors. It is critical that authorities bring the killer or killers in this case to justice as soon as possible, for the safety of the community.

Read the Press Release.
Learn how you can protect cats in your community.

January 19, 2012 - Florida Residents: Help Reform Animal Shelter Policies by Supporting the Florida Animal Rescue Act

The number one documented cause of death for cats in America is being killed in an animal shelter. Here is your chance to do something about it in Florida, by supporting important legislation that would save cats’ lives.

The Animal Rescue Act would fundamentally shift the way animals in Florida’s animal sheltering system are treated. The bill's core provision would:

• Prohibit any pound or shelter from killing an animal if a rescue group is willing to take the animal.
• Require pounds and shelters to document what happens to animals when they are accepted in the shelter.

The Florida Senate Community Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on this bill this coming Monday, January 23. Help match citizens’ of Florida compassion for animals with laws that promote lifesaving solutions in your pounds and shelters by asking your representatives to support this bill in the House and Senate.

Contact your Senators to let them know you support SB 818.
Contact your state representatives to let them know your support HB 597.

January 17, 2012 - Tell Loews Hotels to Treat Cats Humanely and Stop Trapping and Relocating

Until recently, cat colonies at Loews hotels in Orlando have been cared for humanely with a TNR program. With the hotels’ approval, caregivers have had the cats neutered and vaccinated and feed the cats at well-maintained feeding stations.

Loews inexplicably reversed their policy and began trapping the cats last week. While they have temporarily stopped trapping, they now want the cats relocated. They are not talking with Alley Cat Allies and local groups about a truly effective, permanent solution. We need your help to convince them that trapping and removing cats is not a humane solution.

Loews already has a humane program in place and people who want to continue to care for these neutered and vaccinated cats. Show Loews that you support humane solutions for cats—and that you won’t support a business that does not.

Take Action! Contact Loews management today and ask them to re-commit to their humane policy and allow TNR to continue!

January 13, 2012 - Alley Cat Allies Responds Concern for Cats at Loews Hotel in Orlando, Florida

Alley Cat Allies is in formal communication with Loews Hotel in Orlando, Florida after reports that management has trapped and removed cats (five of whom were killed at the local shelter) who are part of a managed Trap-Neuter-Return program at their facilities.

We have asked for an official commitment to a moratorium on the trapping and have offered our expertise to Loews Hotel management. We are also working with local caregivers directly impacted by this issue.

We hope that Loews Hotel does the right thing and embraces the humane approach for these cats, and will keep you up to date.

January 12, 2012 - Harrisonburg, VA Police Officer Charged with Animal Cruelty for Beating of Cat to Death

Your call for justice was heard! Last month, we asked you to urge officials in Harrisonburg, Virginia to investigate a November incident in which a police officer was accused of violently beating a cat to death with his baton when he responded to a local citizen’s call for help after the cat was hit by a car.

Today, we’re pleased to report that following an investigation by the Virginia State Police, the Commonwealth’s Attorney has filed animal cruelty charges against this officer. We are thankful that this vicious act of cruelty will be prosecuted and we applaud the Commonwealth’s Attorney for upholding Virginia’s anti-cruelty laws.

As we continue to follow the case, Alley Cat Allies renews our call for this officer (currently on administrative leave) to be immediately dismissed from the force.

Read the Press Release.

January 9, 2012 - Talking Cats on Steve Dale's Pet World

Alley Cat Allies President Becky Robinsons talks cats with Steve Dale on his nationally syndicated radio show, Steve Dale's Pet World.

Becky discusses the feral cat population, Trap-Neuter-Return, and the vacuum effect.

Watch the clip.

January 5, 2012 - As 2011 comes to a close—Thank you!

Because of our supporters, our December end-of-year push was our most successful fundraising campaign ever. In just four weeks we not only met our goal, but doubled it with support from 2,293 donors.

But what's more important than anything is what these donations are going to make possible. As a special thank you, we wanted to share a photo album of some of the cats that your support has helped over the last year.

We will keep you posted on all the latest news, events, and actions in 2012 as we continue to do all we can for cats across the country.

View the photo gallery.