www.alleycat.org 2 | ALLEY CAT ACTION, FALL 2026 leave,” expressed Linda Rodriguez, a resident and caregiver in San Juan. When NPS opened public comments on its proposal, hundreds of Puerto Ricans made their opinions clear. “This is our island, and our cats mean the world to us,” wrote one Puerto Rico resident. This sentiment was echoed throughout the comments. Puerto Rico’s Cats are Part of Its Culture and Heart From the comments opposing the NPS plan to the words shared with Alley Cat Allies team members to the outcry on social media, one message stood out: Puerto Ricans love their cats, and their cats in turn are Puerto Ricans. They are intertwined in the island’s rich heritage and culture by centuries of history and also by the countless hours, days, and years residents have dedicated to their care. The Paseo cats became the center of a fight that received international attention and conveyed a greater message: lethal action against community cats will not be tolerated in today’s society. Once, Paseo cats like Bella, Llorin, and Naranja faced removal—more than likely lethally—as early as October 2024. Today, they are no longer at risk of being killed, and live safely on the island they have always called home. Negotiating a Humane Resolution This summer, after careful negotiation, Alley Cat Allies finalized an agreement with the NPS to protect the Paseo cats from lethal control. This marked the conclusion of a long legal battle, and reflected the commitment of Alley Cat Allies and advocates in Puerto Rico and around the world. We didn’t back down. Alley Cat Allies worked closely on the ground with local advocates to provide TAKE ACTION Receive our action alerts and other emails. alleycat.org/SignUp With just a few clicks, you can make a difference in cats’ lives and help transform communities. Here are online resources to help: SAVE A CAT WITH A MOUSE DONATE Support our work with cats and kittens. alleycat.org/Donate FIND LOCAL RESOURCES FOR CATS Alley Cat Allies’ Community Resource Tool™ is here to help you find support in your community. GetHelp.alleycat.org LEARN Advocate for cats in your community. alleycat.org/CommunityChange (continued from page 1) for Puerto Rico’s Community Cats VICTORY food, water, and veterinary care. Feeding stations were strategically moved to migrate cats to more ideal areas in Old San Juan. Most of the cats continue to live comfortably on the island with collaborative care provided by Alley Cat Allies with San Juan veterinarians and advocates. You can usually find cats like DF lounging in tall grass, enjoying lazy days far removed from the threat they once faced. Looking Ahead to Lifesaving Change for Puerto Rico Cats Our fight (and victory) to protect the Paseo cats inspired a new push for humane, effective programs in San Juan. Working with local advocates and San Juan Animal Services, and with the support of city officials, Alley Cat Allies is helping lay the groundwork for expanded Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and access to veterinary care and essentials like cat food. “Alley Cat Allies’ years of support have made a difference not only for the Paseo cats, but for cats across San Juan,” said Miriam Pabon, president of Save A Gato. “Puerto Rico is facing many challenges, but we take strength in our love for our island and for our cats. And I believe when we improve our policies for them, we improve our home for us all.” Thank you for standing with us. Your support helped secure this victory—for the Paseo cats and all cats. Learn more at alleycat.org/PuertoRico. Today, they are no longer at risk of being killed, and live safely on the island they have always called home. “ ” DF
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