The following story is featured in the Alley Cat Action® 2026 Fall Newsletter. Read the full newsletter edition here.
Today, we celebrate this major victory for the cats of Puerto Rico with you!
In late 2023, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) announced a plan that put a target on the backs of the community cats living on the iconic Paseo del Morro walkway leading to the El Morro fort. The plan included allowance for lethal removal, meaning the cats faced deadly eradication.
Alley Cat Allies took a stand immediately, and compassionate people from around the world joined our fight. When Alley Cat Allies filed a federal lawsuit against the NPS plan in early 2024, local organization Save A Gato joined us. Officials, advocates, and cat caregivers in San Juan took to the streets in protest and spoke proudly about the cats they consider their community members.
“NPS’s plan ignores the cultural and historic importance of the community cats of the Paseo,” wrote Congressman Pablo José Hernández, who represents Puerto Rico in Washington, D.C. “My constituents have expressed their support for the community cats of the Paseo.”
“Those cats belong here. They are part of the culture, part of our hearts, and we don’t want them to 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 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.