Tropical islands bring to mind warm breezes, the briny, calming scent of the ocean, and thriving flora and fauna. But for cats and kittens who are at home on many islands, their lives in paradise are threatened by lethal action at the hands of misguided governments.
Alley Cat Allies is stepping up in several island communities to protect cats, challenge deadly policies, and train the next generation of our movement.
Puerto Rico
In a historic action, Alley Cat Allies filed a lawsuit against the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) to save San Juan’s community cats from eradication. We aim to put an end to NPS’s cruel, futile, and unlawful plan to remove and kill cats on federal lands in Puerto Rico.
For generations, community cats have lived in peace along the rocky shores of the scenic Paseo Del Morro. They are adored by locals and tourists alike and are woven into the fabric of Puerto Rican culture. Now they face a deadly threat from the NPS, which is determined to rip the cats from their natural outdoor homes and their community, including by lethal means.
Alley Cat Allies has worked with local advocates and connected with the local government to stop this deadly scheme. We’ve also provided a grant for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), veterinary care, food, and other services for the Paseo del Morro cats.
We won’t back down when cats’ lives are on the line.
Learn more at alleycat.org/PuertoRico.
The Cayman Islands
Alley Cat Allies does not stand silent as cats are scapegoated—and killed—for wildlife species loss because governments don’t want to confront the true cause: human-led development. For the past year and a half, we’ve condemned government removal and killing of Cayman Islands cats, and we continue to take measures to shield them from cruel and pointless lethal control.
As we keep up the fight, we’re also leading the way with humane, effective policies. Our grants to local organizations are providing ongoing TNR and other critical care to hundreds of Cayman Islands cats and kittens. The gratitude of these cats’ caregivers and families is the proof: Cayman Islands residents care about their cats, and our voice on cats’ behalf is THEIR voice, too.
Learn more at alleycat.org/CaymanIslands.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Growing a powerful movement means ensuring the next generation is ready to take up the lifesaving mantle. That’s why we launched the Alley Cat Allies Veterinarian Training Program™, starting in the Caribbean islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis!
In late March, Alley Cat Allies presented to students and licensed veterinarians at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine about community cats, best practices for TNR, and unique veterinary and surgical techniques tailored to helping unowned cats who live outdoors. Some of these incredible students are already providing critical care and education to help cats on Saint Kitts and Nevis, and we’re proud to give them the tools for even greater success.
Since our founding in 1990, Alley Cat Allies has guided veterinary professionals to develop best practices and familiarize themselves with treating community cats and carrying out TNR. The goal of our Veterinarian Training Program is to help both experienced and novice veterinarians bring the most effective TNR techniques to their communities to save more lives.
Learn more at alleycat.org/VetTraining.