Save a Gato

Mike and I picked up several maps when we arrived in Old San Juan. One included an interesting piece about the cats on the promenade (next to the city wall I mentioned previously). It said (source page 16, San Juan Shopping & Restaurant Guide 2008):

The colonial cats of Old San Juan have been added to the worldwide list of protected animal sanctuaries, joining the prestigious ranks of the cat sanctuaries at Romes famed Coliseum and Hemingway House in Key West. When our beloved historical cats that live among the rocks of the San Juan Gate were in danger of being exterminated, thousands of citizens worldwide signed petitions and sent letters of support. Members of local cat rescue groups joined forces to implement the proven method of T/N/R (trap/neuter/release) to save these innocent creatures. The animals are humanely trapped, sterilized and released back to their habitat, controlling their population, improving their health and preserving the age old ecological balance of rodent control. They are living proof that humanity can find "humane" solutions to co-exist with and preserve our fellow creatures for future generations. Endlessly photographed, they enhance an already popular tourist attraction as your walk along our picturesque promenade surrounding our 500-year-old ancient city. Visit www.saveagato.com for their inspirational story.

When we did our initial night time walk around the promenade a gate closed off the area by the rocks. We didn't see any cats that night. We took another walk last night and the gate was open. We walked between 1/2 and 3/4 mile and saw at least 40 cats. That wouldn't have been so bad, but (me being me) I felt the need to stop and say, "Hi, kitty!" to each and every one. Near the point where we turned around, one approached us that looking strikingly similar to Mattie. He was just a little lighter in color.

I decided to head back to the promenade at 7:30 this morning as Mike left for work. I want to see if I could get pictures of some of the local creatures. Many were still out walking around. I was thrilled to see that volunteers leave kibble out at night (we did not notice it last night). Mike and I had been concerned about where the cats were getting their fresh water from, too. This morning I noticed a variety of containers (old bleach bottles cleaned with the tops cut off, large ocean spray bottles with the tops cut off) tucked into the rocks with water.

I tried to go to http://www.saveagato.com yesterday but the site was down. I believe that http://www.saveagato.org is a sister site. I was alarmed to see that these cats are in danger of being removed. The Puerto Rico Board of Health has determined the stray cats are a public health danger. They seem to be demanding that the National Park Service nullify and agreements with Save-A-Gato and that the city of San Juan should hire a contractor to remove the animals.

It appears that the movement by the Health Department has not gained ground. They wanted the new regulations to be adopted by August 7, and thankfully, the cats are still around. I was speaking with a San Juan resident (who grew up in New York city before moving here), and he told me about the atrocities that occurred in Barceloneta last year. The city privately contracted for stray dogs and cats to be collected and sent to shelters. Instead, several animal control authorities took it upon themselves to drug the cats and dogs and then throw them to their deaths from a 50 foot bridge. Only half a dozen of the 80 animals tossed over survived.

I plan to purchase a Save A Gato shirt after my beach time this morning. I know the money will go for a good cause.

Have a happy day!