The Australian government is waging war on cats, and we need your help to speak out against them. Right now, Australia’s Ministry of the Environment is killing two million cats by 2020 with cruel methods like poison in a misguided and ineffective attempt to save endangered wildlife. Our new pledge calls for the killing to stop, supports nonlethal methods, and addresses the real threat to Australia’s wildlife—human habitat destruction. By signing the pledge, you tell the world that you want to protect cats and oppose the cruel plan to kill them. As the cats’ leading advocate, Alley Cat Allies pledges to work to end the killing of Australia’s cats. We hope you will join us. Sign the pledge and learn more about Alley Cat Allies’ work in Australia.

El Paso’s community cats now have more protections! On February 23, the El Paso City Council voted unanimously to amend the city’s animal ordinances to include protections for community cats and their caregivers. They also voted to create a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program through El Paso Animal Services. El Paso’s ordinances now support TNR, and include special policies that will keep cats that are already eartipped, which indicates that they are neutered and vaccinated, out of shelters. See how El Paso has changed for the better of cats and the community.

Great news for Virginia’s animals! A bill that could have contradicted the Promote Adoptions Bill no longer poses a threat. The Promote Adoptions Bill, which passed last year, was a great achievement for advocates and guaranteed that private animal shelters are only “operated for the purpose of finding permanent adoptive homes for animals”. A new bill, introduced this year, challenged that, but amendments ensured it stays true to the intent of the Promote Adoptions Bill. Learn more about the bill amendment and what it means for Virginia’s animals.

The hearing on the case of Kristen Lindsey, the Texas veterinarian who killed a cat with a bow and arrow and bragged about it on Facebook, has been delayed indefinitely for a mediation period. Mediation could allow more time to investigate new details in the case, including evidence that Lindsey made false statements and misrepresentations. Alley Cat Allies submitted an amicus brief in support of revoking Lindsey’s veterinary license, and we will keep you updated on developments. Read more about the new details of the Kristen Lindsey case.

Thanks to the overwhelming support of Hawaii cat lovers, a bill that would have banned feeding cats on public lands was deferred. The bill, which was considered by the Hawaii Senate Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Economic Development, Environment, and Technology, would have made it illegal for people to practice TNR, the humane and effective approach to community cats. This is a great first step, but it’s important to keep speaking out so the bill won’t be reconsidered! Learn more about the feeding ban bill and how Hawaii residents can act against it.

The North Alabama Spay-Neuter Clinic, which shut down in April 2014, has reopened as of February! The non-profit, low-cost clinic is now available to the community with no income or residential restrictions. Alley Cat Allies has been very involved with cat protection efforts in Alabama, especially protecting the state’s few spay/neuter clinics. We’re happy to see the clinic reopen, as they provide vital services that protect Alabama’s animals and make TNR possible. Read about the reopening of the North Alabama Spay-Neuter Clinic.

Dunesberry was found outside as a very small kitten in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but now she is growing up and is ready to give you all her energy and love. She’s peppy and curious, loves to eat, and enjoys a good game of fetch. She’s very playful, so she would do great with another young cat who can keep up with her. Dunesberry is FIV positive, but she’s not worried about it! She can live just as long, happy, and healthy a life as any other cat. If you’re in the Atlantic City area, Dunesberry would love to join your family and liven up your home! Find out how you can adopt Dunesberry today.

Connecting with future veterinarians at SAVMA! We’re exhibiting at the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Symposium in Ames, IA from March 17–19. Learn about the Symposium and how to attend.

Meet us at the Whole Cat Workshop on March 20! Becky Robinson will be the keynote speaker at this Massachusetts workshop for cat lovers, professionals, and volunteers. Learn how you can attend the workshop.

We’re exhibiting at the VFHS Conference! The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies (VFHS) Conference in Charlottesville, VA from March 31–April 2 is a great opportunity to connect with animal lovers and professionals. Learn about the conference and how to register.