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Press Release
For Immediate Release: March 15, 2010
Contact: ELIZABETH PAROWSKI, eparowski@alleycat.org or 240-482-1984; FRANCIE ISRAELI, fisraeli@johnadams.com or 202-207-1134
JOHN LEHR JOINS CAMPAIGN TO HELP FERAL CATS –
AND THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR THEM
TV star to be featured in national PSAs; declares “I’m an Alley Cat Ally”
BETHESDA – Alley Cat Allies, the national advocate for stray and feral cats, today launched a
print Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign featuring John Lehr, co-creator and star of
the TBS comedy “10 Items or Less” and stars as the Geico Caveman in the advertising
phenomenon for Geico Insurance.
In the ad, Lehr declares himself an “Alley Cat Ally,” and a supporter of Alley Cat Allies’ major
campaign to raise awareness about the millions of Americans who care for stray and feral cats in
their communities.
“We are delighted to have John Lehr on board to represent the individuals from all walks of life
who share compassion for these cats,” said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies, the
recognized authority on feral cats and Trap-Neuter-Return.
“As a feral human I feel a deep connection with these animals,” Lehr joked. “Thank god some kind
person trapped, neutered and returned me back to Hollywood where I belong. Let’s do the same for
these kitties!”
“Millions of Americans have opened their hearts and wallets to stray and feral cats. A national
survey by the respected research organization Harris Interactive found that over 40 percent of
Americans have fed a stray cat in their lives, and one out of five has done so in the past year,”
Robinson said.
Feral cats are the same species as domestic cats, but they are not socialized to people and prefer to
live in family groups called colonies. Because they are not adoptable, they are almost always killed
in animal shelters.
Robinson noted that many progressive communities across the country have adopted a lifesaving
program called Trap-Neuter-Return, in which feral cats are humanely trapped, brought to a
veterinarian to be neutered and vaccinated and returned to their outdoor home. Trap-Neuter-Return
is the best course of action for feral cats because it ends the breeding cycle, stabilizes populations
and improves the cats’ health, Robinson said.
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About Alley Cat Allies
Alley Cat Allies is the nation’s leading advocate for stray and feral cats. Their website is www.alleycat.org.
About John Lehr
John Lehr co-created, executive produced and starred in the half-hour improvisational comedy series,
10 ITEMS OR LESS from Sony Pictures Television on TBS. Lehr also stars as the Geico Caveman in
the advertising phenomenon for Geico Insurance. Lehr’s acting credits include playing Christina
Applegate's brother on NBC's "Jesse" and hosting ABC's reality show "I'm a Celebrity…Get Me Out of
Here." Lehr and his producing partner, Nancy Hower, have formed Howler Productions. In addition to
producing 10 Items, Howler is developing three new projects. Lehr is also a critically acclaimed
improvisational performer.
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