Alley Cat Allies Appeals to Beijing to End Slaugter of Cats

Alley Cat Allies Appeals to Beijing to End Slaugter of Cats -- Calls for investigation, end to reported "cat cull" ahead of 2008 Summer Games

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) August 6, 2008 -- Alley Cat Allies, a recognized global authority on stray and feral cats, today appealed to China's leaders to investigate reports that thousands of stray and feral cats in Beijing have been rounded up and killed in preparation for the Olympic Games. Alley Cat Allies received over 8,000 letters signed by supporters, urging an investigation and humane treatment for Beijing's cats.

International media outlets and animal protection groups have reported that over the last few months, Beijing's leaders have been conducting a round-up of thousands of cats, who are then taken to "death camps." Reports also say that government misinformation about the cats has spurred incidences of citizens abandoning their indoor cats or killing cats themselves, believing it is for their own safety.

"All eyes are on Beijing as the Summer Olympics begins this week," said Becky Robinson, president of Alley Cat Allies, in a letter to China's ambassador to the U.S., Zeng Wenzhong. "We are requesting (China's) help in conducting a full investigation to determine the truth."

Robinson noted that supporters from around the world have reached out to Alley Cat Allies urging the group to take action on behalf of Beijing's cats, and asked Chinese leaders to consider humane treatment for the cats.

"Many cities throughout the world have embraced new and innovative methods [for outdoor cats," Robinson wrote. "There are more effective, publicly supported, humane and economical ways to help outdoor cat populations."

A copy of the letter to the Chinese ambassador was also sent to the International Olympic Committee, U.S. Olympic Committee, and the U.S. State Department, Robinson said.

About Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is dedicated to ending the killing of cats and leading the movement for their humane care. Their web site is www.alleycat.org.

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