Stopping a Lethal Government Plan Against Puerto Rico Community Cats

Alley Cat Allies takes historic action against removal and killing of community cats on the Paseo del Morro

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 and a motion for injunction on August 19, 2024 to stop the NPS’ deadly scheme.

In September 2024, Alley Cat Allies achieved a major victory to protect community cats living on the historic site. Our legal efforts and refusal to back down forced the NPS to agree to stop movement on its cruel plan to remove and kill the cats starting as early as October 1.

But 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’s 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.

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