Alley Cat Allies is the only national organization dedicated to protecting and improving cats’ lives. Help us transform the way our society cares for cats!

For more than 40 years, a colony of an estimated 150 cats—half of them socialized—has resided at the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, California. Local caregivers feed and help the colony through Trap-Neuter-Return.

In response to a complaint, animal control began trapping the cats and taking them to shelters to be killed. They then enacted a feeding ban and had a fence built around the property to keep caregivers out. Between these two directives, death was imminent for the feline residents of Rancho Los Amigos.

Alley Cat Allies contacted the Los Angeles County Supervisor to urge him to lift the feeding ban and allow caregivers to continue their work of Trap-Neuter-Return. We offered support to local residents, sent California residents an action alert email, and posted an action in our online advocacy centers that allowed concerned citizens to contact the County Supervisor. Together, we raised our collective voice in favor of humane care.

In all, L.A. received thousands of requests that he lift the ban and allow the cats to remain in their home. Under pressure from citizens nationwide, the County revoked the ban and ceased trapping and killing the cats. Local residents and groups have resumed caring for the cats and finding homes for those who are already socialized, and talks are continuing to decide on a long-term plan for the Rancho cats.

To learn more about Alley Cat Allies and how we protect and improve cats' lives, visit www.alleycat.org.