#United States #Puerto Rico #Alley Cat Allies #San Juan #National Park Service

Overview

Alley Cat Allies, an organization committed to the welfare of cats globally, has taken a firm stance against the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) following serious revelations about the agency's administrative practices. The dispute revolves around NPS's certification of its records pertaining to a contentious plan to manage cat populations in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which includes sourcing plans for removal and euthanization of these animals.

The False Certification

On April 8, 2025, Alley Cat Allies announced that it had uncovered critical omissions in the NPS’s administrative record, which was certified as complete. This certification is essential for judicial reviews as it assesses whether the agency complied with legal mandates, notably the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). According to Alley Cat Allies, the National Park Service excluded hundreds of public comments, primarily from local residents and organizations advocating for cat protection.

Community Concerns

The public sentiment from Puerto Rico has been overwhelmingly against the planned actions by NPS, particularly when many residents depend on community cats for companionship and cultural connection. NPS justified the omission of these comments as an inadvertent error, which Alley Cat Allies vehemently contests. DanaMarie Pannella, the organization's director of law and policy, articulated that such a failure undermines public trust and disregards the voices of the community. "The public expects and deserves transparency from federal agencies, especially when those federal agencies' actions determine whether cats live or die," she emphasized.

Legal Actions

In response to the NPS’s actions, Alley Cat Allies has initiated a lawsuit, citing that the agency did not adhere to established legal protocols when formulating its plan. This lawsuit aims to not only bring to light the issues surrounding NPS’s administrative processes but also to halt the planned killing of stray cats. Through this legal challenge, Alley Cat Allies aspires to reinforce humane treatment and advocate for community-supported methods, particularly the scientifically backed Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method.

Global Protest

Notably, the organization is rallying support from animal advocates worldwide, urging them to join protests against NPS’s plans. They emphasize the ethical obligations to protect not only the community cats but also to adhere to humane treatment standards.

The protests, including those that occurred in San Juan recently, have garnered increasing attention, reflecting a growing opposition against what many see as an inhumane and unnecessary plan.

The Future of Community Cats

Moving forward, Alley Cat Allies remains steadfast in its mission to promote the welfare of all cats, aiming for a society where cats are considered valuable members of the community. The organization stands on firm ground as the leading voice in feline advocacy, reinforcing the importance of humane and effective community cat programs.

Additionally, Alley Cat Allies, formed in 1990, boasts over 1.5 million supporters dedicated to changing perceptions and practices regarding stray cats. The organization employs educational outreach and advocacy to equip communities with the tools needed to ensure a safe and humane environment for all cats.

For more information about Alley Cat Allies or to get involved in their initiatives, you can visit their official website at www.alleycat.org and follow their social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube for updates on their campaigns and initiatives.