"Boeing Long Beach Shuts Down Cats"
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In Defense of Animals Press Release

Date: September 5, 2000

Contact: Bill Dyer, 310-301-7730
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOEING CO. CATS TO BE KILLED
Fate of Trapped Wildlife Unknown

Long Beach, CA...Boeing Company leadership officials in Long Beach announced Friday that a company with whom they have contracted will trap feral cats, possums and foxes and turn them over to the Long Beach Animal Shelter. Feral cats are not adoptable to the public and are killed after 72 hours, according to shelter policy. The disposition of the possums and the foxes is undetermined at this time.

Animal advocates have been meeting with Boeing officials since May to seek non-lethal alternatives to the 100-200 feral cats residing on the west side of Lakewood Blvd., an area of decommissioned buildings slated for redevelopment. On July 17th representatives of In Defense of Animals and Actors and Others for Animals presented Boeing with a proposal citing two possible locations on the east side of Lakewood Blvd. for cat sanctuaries once the animals were trapped, spayed and neutered. Boeing - whose sales forecast for this year is $51 billion - rejected the proposal Friday.

In March of 1999 Long Beach City College officials, Boeing's neighbor, contacted Boeing regarding their mutual problem of feral cats and how to control them with a program of trap, alter and return. Alley Cat Allies in Washington DC also warned Boeing of their impending dilemma. Both of these offers of advice and help, made over 18 months ago, were never replied to by Boeing management.

"As president of Boeing Space and Communications - and, more important, as an animal lover myself-- I am very sorry about what happened. I've issued instructions that this will never happen again." Jim Albaugh, head of Boeing's Seal Beach facility, upon halting an eradication program at that facility

"Boeing facilities in Seal Beach and in Mesa, Arizona have humane programs for the control and care of their feral cats. The killing of these innocent animals in Long Beach is unnecessary and unacceptable," said Bill Dyer of IDA. "After decades of trying to control the feral cat population with a trap and kill approach it has been conclusively proven that the only permanent solution is one of trap/alter and return. I am astounded that Boeing, with its history of success built on innovation and creativity, would resort to such an archaic and cruel method to solve this problem," said Joyce Pieper, feral cat consultant for Actors and Others for Animals.

In Defense of Animals, located in Mill Valley, CA., is a national animal protection organization dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by protecting their rights, welfare and habitats. Actors and Others for Animals is a Southern California organization largely dedicated to the reduction of pet overpopulation.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS
131 CAMINO ALTO, SUITE E
MILL VALLEY, CA 94941
415-388-9641
WWW.IDAUSA.ORG

It May Be Too Late

It may be too late for the feral cats of Boeing. Officials there could have already started their eradication program by the time you read this, although a time frame has not yet been announced. However, feral cats are wily and clever; it will take time to trap and dispose of them all.

Jim Albaugh, the head of Boeing's Seal Beach facility listened to reason. In May of 2000, Boeing halted a program similar to the one Long Beach proposes. "As president of Boeing Space and Communications - and, more important, as an animal lover myself-- I am very sorry about what happened. I've issued instructions that this will never happen again," Albaugh said at that time. There's always the possibility that Boeing officials in Long Beach will see the light. You can help save a few cats by sending letters or emails to the address listed below. While they did not choose to accept the counsel of the heavy hitters such as Alley Cat Allies and IDA, perhaps they will listen to sheer numbers. It's certainly worth a try.

Please word your correspondence in a compassionate, caring tone, and avoid harsh words and overt criticism. Animal advocates have taken a bad rap for hysteria and invective, sadly deserved in some cases, and it does not serve to further our cause. "Polite appeal" is the guideline for the day. Thank you for caring.

Please direct your polite opposition and concern to:

Mr. James R. Phillips,
Boeing Long Beach Division,
MC: E12-81, 3855 Lakewood BLVD.,
Long Beach, CA 90846.
FAX: 562-982-8220
email: james.r.phillips2@boeing.com.

Boeing Feral Cats Poll

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