A group of cats in Long Beach, California are stranded on a rocky jetty after their outdoor shelter and feeding station were suddenly taken down. With seagulls stealing the food left for them on the rocks and no protection from rain and sandstorms, animal advocates here are deeply concerned.
Cats have been living on the beach here for years, but until recently, they had access to a sheltered area in the lifeguard station. It gave the cats a place to get away from the ocean during bad weather and a covered food supply that stayed dry. But the cats were given the boot, with just 24 hours notice to volunteers, after an array of criminal events and other circumstances prompted increased security for the lifeguard station. And when access to their home base was suddenly blocked, the cats had no choice but to make their way down the rocks.
The ultimate goal of this rescue mission is to find responsible, adoptive families for the cats, but short-term care for them on the beach is essential. We are urging beach officials to permit the immediate installation of a clean and secure cat shelter area to protect both the cats and the volunteers who care for them.
Dear Captain Medina,
We request that a secure feeding station and shelter area be restored for the cats living on the jetty in Long Beach. While the ultimate aim is to adopt out most, if not all of the cats here, short term safety considerations call for immediate action.
Residents of Long Beach and animal advocates near and far are eager to see a humane resolution to keep both the cats and their caretakers safe.
We thank you for your prompt and thoughtful action.
