Boeing Capitulates

dateline 9/15/00

Feral Cats Given Reprieve

Protesters gathered at the Boeing facility in Long Beach, CA were handed a priceless gift today in the form of a press conference called by Boeing officials.

A mid-day press conference was held in front of the Boeing facility to announce the company's decision to allow animal rights groups and caring Boeing employees to trap, alter and release back the approximately 200 feral cats on the Boeing Company property west of Lakewood Blvd.

Last-minute Agreement

The details of the cooperative program to save the 100-200 feral cats were agreed upon just hours before a scheduled mid-day protest by In Defense of Animals and Actors and Others for Animals at the Long Beach Boeing property. Boeing, Actors and Others for Animals, and In Defense of Animals wish to thank Boeing employees and the greater public for their many expressions of support in favor of saving the feral cats.

Permanent Sanctuary Sought

Working with Joyce Pieper of Actors and Others for Animals and Bill Dyer of In Defense of Animals, a cooperative program has been planned by Boeing and the animal advocates, including the establishment of a feeding program for the cats. In addition, Boeing will attempt to locate permanent alternate sanctuary sites for the camps, with the help of animal advocates. The colony presently makes its home on the west side of Lakewood Blvd., which is scheduled for redevelopment.

Although Boeing earlier this year initiated a moratorium on the trapping and euthanasia of the feral cats, the company rejected a similar proposal by In Defense of Animals and on September 1, 2000 announced its intention to commence trapping the cats.

Public Protest Gains Attention

An overwhelming influx of emails and letters of protest soon flooded the Long Beach facility's mailroom, convincing officials at Boeing to reconsider. It would be appropriate for those who wrote letters of concern to send a note of thanks to Boeing management for reversing their decision.

	Timeline of Events
	Boeing Rejects Proposal Trapping Started Protests Mount
	More Information
	IDA Press Release Behind the Scenes Discussions Rescue Groups Feral Cat Management

It's Not Over Yet

Next week Boeing will meet with Bill Dyer of IDA, Joyce Pieper of Actors and Others for Animals, and interested Boeing employees to plan details. In the meantime, employees are once again allowed to feed, trap, spay/neuter and find homes for the cats. Information from a couple of employees is that the cats seem to be healthy. When they find a cat that appears to be ill, they trap it if possible and take it to a veterinarian.

Homes are being sought for the cats, and food or financial donations are needed.

• Food Donations or to Adopt:  Call 714-379-1699
• Financial Donations:  Email Bill Dyer of IDA for instructions.

Please direct your thanks:

Mr. James R. Phillips
Boeing Long Beach Division
MC: E12-81
3855 Lakewood BLVD.
Long Beach, CA 90846
PHONE: 562-593-5400
FAX: 562-982-8220
james.r.phillips2@boeing.com

And a big thank you to everyone who sent their letters and emails of concern!

Boeing Feral Cats Poll