We had an incredible, impactful week of protecting cats and peaceful protest in Puerto Rico!
Our on-the-ground team worked day and night on the famous Paseo del Morro to help provide nutritious food to the beloved community cats who live there, as well as humanely trap cats who needed veterinary care. We’re gearing up to do it all again soon.
While carrying cats in traps through the streets of Old San Juan en route to the veterinarian, we were stopped multiple times by people who knew what we were doing there. They expressed their gratitude for our action to stop the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) from removing and killing their cats.
If you’re tuning into what is happening in Puerto Rico for the first time, here is the summary: The NPS announced a plan to eradicate community cats living on the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico. Most of the cats are living in peace along the Paseo del Morro, a popular trail and tourist destination in the historic site. This horrific plan will result in cats being killed.
Harming these cats is also contrary to the will of Puerto Rican people, who have spoken out in strong opposition to the NPS’s plan. They recognize the Paseo del Morro cats as the community members they are and consider their presence a facet of Puerto Rico’s rich history and culture.
We weren’t only approached by locals, however. Quite a few visitors to the island (many tourists specifically come to Old San Juan to see the famous cats) approached to ask questions and were inspired to join us. Of course, we had our expert educational materials at the ready to let them know how to protect Puerto Rico’s cats, as well as cats in their own communities.
Rounding off the week, our latest protest in San Juan with Puerto Rican cat advocates was bigger and more inspiring than ever! Together, we’re telling the U.S. government and the world loud and clear: the lives of Puerto Rico’s cats have inherent value, and cruel action against them will not be tolerated.
Our work is not over. The NPS isn’t backing down on its cruel plan, but neither are we in our fight to stop it. Alley Cat Allies’ lawsuit against the NPS is still active and we are rallying compassionate advocates in Puerto Rico and around the world to join us.
San Juan community cats like Gizmo, Don Ramon, Llorin, and Bella are counting on our voices and our action.
You can become part of the Worldwide Protest to protect Puerto Rico’s cats at alleycat.org/PuertoRico.
Right now, you can:
SHARE our posts on social media and alleycat.org to spread the word and put pressure on the NPS.
POST photos and videos of your own in which you stand up for the community cats of the Paseo del Morro. Create your own sign, hold your own protest, include your friends, family, and community members, and post with #SaveSanJuanCats.
SIGN the petition. Here’s a quick link to do so.
