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Press Release
For Immediate Release: AUGUST 5, 2008
Contact: ELIZABETH PAROWSKI, eparowski@alleycat.org or 240-482-1984; FRANCIE ISRAELI, fisraeli@johnadams.com or 202-207-1134
ALLEY CAT ALLIES APPEALS TO BEIJING TO END
SLAUGHTER OF CATS
Calls for investigation, end to reported “cat cull” ahead of 2008 Summer Games
BETHESDA, MD — Alley Cat Allies, a recognized global authority on stray and feral cats, today
appealed to China’s leaders to investigate reports that thousands of stray and feral cats in Beijing
have been rounded up and killed in preparation for the Olympic Games. Alley Cat Allies received
over 8,000 letters signed by supporters, urging for an investigation and humane treatment for
Beijing’s cats.
International media outlets and animal protection groups have reported that over the last few
months, China’s leaders have been conducting a round-up of cats, and that thousands of these cats
have been killed in death camps. Reports also say that government misinformation about the cats
has spurred incidences of citizens abandoning their indoor cats or killing cats themselves, believing
it is for their own safety.
“All eyes are on Beijing as the Summer Olympics begins in a few days,” said Becky Robinson,
president of Alley Cat Allies, in a letter to China’s ambassador to the U.S., Zeng Wenzhong. “We
are requesting [China’s] help in conducting a full investigation to determine the truth.”
Robinson noted that supporters from around the world have reached out to Alley Cat Allies urging
the group to take action on behalf of Beijing’s cats, and asked Chinese leaders to consider humane
treatment for the cats.
“Many cities throughout the world have embraced new and innovative methods [for outdoor cats],”
Robinson wrote. “There are more effective, publicly supported, humane and economical ways to
help outdoor cat populations.”
A copy of the letter to the Chinese ambassador was also sent to the International Olympic
Committee, U.S. Olympic Committee, and the U.S. State Department, 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.
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