The U.S. National Park Service revealed a plan on Tuesday to relocate numerous stray cats that wander through a historic seaside tourist area in Puerto Rico's capital. These feline inhabitants, regarded as both a source of joy and a nuisance, will be gradually removed over the next year.
The organization announced its intention to engage an animal welfare group to eliminate approximately 200 cats residing in the 75-acre vicinity surrounding a fortress within the San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the federal agency in Old San Juan. In the event that the animal welfare organization is unable to complete the removal within six months, the park service has stated its readiness to enlist the services of a professional removal agency.
The proposed plan saddened cat enthusiasts, who cherish the feline residents. However, the agency stressed the health risks posed by these cats, emphasizing their potential to transmit illnesses to humans. The park service plan highlighted the necessity of prioritizing public health and safety, stating that removing the cats would benefit all visitors by eliminating a potential disease vector.
Ana María Salicrup, the secretary of the board of directors for the nonprofit organization Save a Gato, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the six-month timetable set for the cat removal. Save a Gato is currently involved in caring for the cats and aspires to be selected to execute the plan.
Salicrup argued that the proposed timeframe is unrealistic, citing the complexities involved in safely relocating a substantial number of cats from the designated area. Save a Gato, being intimately familiar with the cats and their needs, believes that a more extended timeline is necessary to ensure a humane and effective process. The organization sees itself as having the expertise and dedication required to carry out the plan in a manner that prioritizes the welfare of the cats during the transition.
