U.S. National Park Service Faces Lawsuit Over Removal of Stray Cats in Puerto Rico

Maryland-based nonprofit organization, Alley Cat Allies, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. National Park Service over its proposed removal of approximately 200 stray cats from a historic district in Puerto Rico. The cats currently inhabit the area surrounding a historic seaside fortress in Old San Juan.

Lawsuit Details

Alley Cat Allies' lawsuit comes four months after the National Park Service announced its intention to hire an animal welfare organization to remove the stray cats. The lawsuit seeks to halt the removal plan and requests additional environmental assessments from the federal agency. Alley Cat Allies also argues that the proposed actions violate acts such as the National Environmental Protection Act.

National Park Service's Plan

The National Park Service had initially stated in 2022 that the cat population had grown significantly, causing concerns about the smell of urine and feces in the area. The agency intended to hire a removal agency if the contracted organization failed to remove the cats within six months.

Public Response

The proposed cat removal plan has sparked mixed reactions, with tourists and locals expressing both admiration and frustration towards the feline inhabitants. Activists have criticized the six-month timeframe, expressing concerns that it is inadequate for the safe removal of a large cat population and fear that the cats may face lethal consequences.

Next Steps

The U.S. National Park Service has not yet responded to the lawsuit. The fate of the historic district's stray cats remains uncertain as the legal proceedings unfold.