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Read Our Historic Lawsuit Against the NPS Read the Full Story
Alley Cat Allies and advocates in Puerto Rico hold a protest against the NPS’ cruel plan to remove and kill community cats in front of the Paseo del Morro, where the threatened cats live.Stopping a Lethal Government Plan Against Puerto Rico Community Cats
Alley Cat Allies is taking historic action against the planned removal and killing of community cats living on the San Juan National Historic Site by the U.S. National Park Service (NPS).
UPDATE: February 15, 2025
The people of San Juan stand with their cats, and we urge people around the world to stand with them, too. Today, Alley Cat Allies held a protest near the Paseo del Morro to support the community cats who live there and tell the U.S. government, Puerto Rico’s legislators, and the world that cruel action against cats will not be tolerated.
The Worldwide Protest is still on. Learn how you can keep the momentum going, the pressure on, and San Juan’s community cats safe above.
UPDATE: February 9, 2025
Alley Cat Allies is back on the ground in San Juan to provide veterinary care and food to the community cats of the Paseo del Morro. Working closely with local advocates, we’re gearing up to hold another protest with the people of San Juan against the NPS’s lethal plan.
UPDATE: January 25, 2025
A ruling on Alley Cat Allies’ federal lawsuit to stop the NPS’ deadly plan will drop soon. Before that, we must make our voices heard for Puerto Rico’s cats. This is the time to act, speak out, and demand that the NPS back down now. #SaveSanJuanCats.
Join us for a worldwide protest to stop the NPS. Learn more above.
UPDATE: December 10, 2024
Continuing our historic legal action to protect Puerto Rico’s community cats, Alley Cat Allies filed a reply in support of our motion for summary judgment and in opposition to NPS’ cross-motion for summary judgment regarding the NPS’ plan to remove and kill cats living on the San Juan National Historic Site.
The NPS will get one more reply, which is due in January of 2025. We remain steadfast in our fight to stop the NPS’ legal action and protect these cats as the San Juan community members they are.
UPDATE: September 9, 2024
Alley Cat Allies achieved a major victory in protecting Puerto Rico’s community cats from the NPS’ lethal plan against them. Our legal efforts and refusal to back down forced the NPS to agree to halt movement on its cruel plan to remove and kill cats on the historic site starting October 1.
Ultimately, the NPS agreed to the terms of Alley Cat Allies’ injunction, which included ceasing steps toward the removal of the cats until the court decides the legality of the NPS’ plan.
UPDATE: August 19, 2024
Alley Cat Allies filed for a temporary restraining order and injunction against the NPS to halt its plan to remove and kill community cats living on the San Juan National Historic Site. This legal action was a direct response to the NPS fast-tracking its reckless and unlawful scheme, which it aimed to begin as early as October 1, 2024.
The bad faith action came after Alley Cat Allies achieved a critical legal victory against the NPS and its lethal plan when The United States District Court for the District of Columbia denied the NPS’ attempt to transfer our historic lawsuit to a court in Puerto Rico.
Upon the decision, the NPS moved forward in a rush to implement its brutal plan before the court could determine its legality. Alley Cat Allies’ action is a swift response in defense of the cats.
About Our Fight to Stop the NPS and its Lethal Plan Against Cats
The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) plans 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 famous trail in the historic site. This horrific plan will result in cats being killed.
Alley Cat Allies filed a historic lawsuit in March of 2024 to stop the NPS’ deadly scheme.
The cats’ lives remain at risk unless the plan is struck down permanently. Alley Cat Allies will not back down until that happens, for the sake of the cats and the many Puerto Rico residents and advocates worldwide who have spoken out to defend them.
We are challenging the NPS’ reckless and baseless decision-making, including the dismissal of longstanding Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts for community cats on the historic site. We need advocates around the world to join us to protect these cats. Please watch and share the video above and keep reading to learn how you can take action.
The History of the Deadly NPS Plan
In late 2023, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) announced its intention to remove community cats living on federal lands in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico—a shocking and pointless scheme Alley Cat Allies is doing everything in our power to stop. According to the NPS, if an animal organization of their choosing fails to remove the cats within the tight time frame, a task any organization is bound to fail, NPS will contact a “removal agency.” This means cats will no doubt be killed.
The proposed plan by the NPS not only lacks scientific backing and is doomed to fail, but also flouts environmental protection statutes, setting the stage for the senseless killing of scores of cats.
Harming these cats is also contrary to the will of Puerto Rican people, who have spoken out in strong opposition to the NPS plan. The Paseo del Morro cats are community members woven into the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
Along with continuing a dedicated and relentless legal battle on the cats’ behalf, Alley Cat Allies has met with key stakeholders in Puerto Rico and provided food, veterinary care, and other support to the community cats on the San Juan National Historic Site.
Take Action With Us
We need as many advocates as possible to join our movement as we take on the cruel actions of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS). Here’s what you can do:
- WATCH and SHARE our video above to spread the word about the Paseo del Morro cats and the danger they face. We need widespread awareness of and outrage toward the NPS’ deadly scheme.
- READ our federal lawsuit and learn how the NPS’ plan violates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Then, share this information with other advocates.
- SHARE your thoughts on the NPS’ eradication plan, the cats of Puerto Rico, and your experience with community cats. Add your voice below.
- DONATE to power our work to protect the community cats of Puerto Rico. Every gift makes a difference.
- JOIN our movement. Sign up to receive critical updates on the Paseo del Morro cats and ways you can take action to help them.
- EDUCATE your community on who community cats are, how they deserve to live in their outdoor homes in peace, and why Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only humane and effective approach to cats outdoors. Links to resources are on this page.
Add Your Voice
We want to hear from you about the community cats on the Paseo del Morro, your reaction to the U.S. National Park Service’s deadly plan to eradicate them, and/or your experiences with community cats in Puerto Rico.
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About the Paseo del Morro Cats
For generations, community cats have made their home along the winding path between the rocky shore of San Juan Bay and the impressive Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historic fort in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you visit this popular tourist destination, you’ll see cats effortlessly navigating the surf-swept rocks or weaving along the weathered stone battlements of the fort.
Black and white Llorin, named for his big-talking personality is the bold leader of his feline family. Bright and curious tabby Kiko ventures close to check out visitors to her outdoor home, but darts away before she can be touched. Amarillo, with light fur the color of his namesake (yellow in Spanish), can often be found lounging in the island sun, content and carefree.
Every community cat living on the Paseo del Morro has a name, a routine, relationships, and a unique story all their own. They are members of the San Juan community, beloved by residents and tourists alike. But if the NPS has its way, these cats will be ripped from their outdoor home—and many will doubtless be killed. We are fighting to stop this lethal plan. Please stand with us.