By The Star Staff
In an impassioned call to action, Alley Cat Allies has launched a worldwide protest to halt the National Park Service’s (NPS) plan to eradicate a cherished community of cats living along the Paseo del Morro trail in Old San Juan.
The movement, sparked by the organization’s unwavering commitment to protecting cats and kittens, aims to prevent the tragic consequences that would result from the NPS’s lethal approach, organizers said.
As the fate of the felines hangs in the balance, Alley Cat Allies is encouraging people around the globe to join the fight for their lives by using the hashtag #SaveSanJuanCats on social media as part of a unified cry for justice the group said will send a powerful message to the NPS, demanding an end to its plan and the implementation of nonlethal alternatives instead, according to a statement.
To kick off the protest, Alley Cat Allies held a demonstration on Saturday in San Juan as a public display of solidarity for the cats’ right to live peacefully in their outdoor homes.
Charlene Pedrolie, president and chief operating officer of Alley Cat Allies, emphasized the urgency of the movement.
“Our worldwide protest is an urgent rallying call to stop the NPS’s cruel and deadly plan for San Juan’s cats,” she said. “Now is the time to raise our collective voice louder than ever.”
The organization’s dedication to the cat community is further underscored by its historic federal lawsuit filed in March 2024 against the NPS’s inhumane proposal. With a ruling on the lawsuit expected soon, Alley Cat Allies is mobilizing compassionate individuals across Puerto Rico and beyond to join the chorus of voices opposing what the group said is a ruthless strategy on the part of the NPS.
Those who wish to stand alongside Alley Cat Allies in their vital fight for the protection of Puerto Rico’s cats can visit alleycat.org to learn more about taking action.
“By working together, we can defend the Paseo del Morro cats from needless harm and champion nonlethal and evidence-based policies, such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), that ensure the safety and well-being of community cats,” the group said.
Alley Cat Allies sued in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in September 2024 to stop the NPS’ plan to remove the cats, arguing that it violates the National Environmental Policy Act. In August, Alley Cat Allies filed for an injunction against the NPS to stop its imminent action starting Oct. 1. Ultimately, the NPS agreed to Alley Cat Allies’ terms, which include ceasing steps toward the removal of the cats until the court decides the legality of the NPS plan.
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