The administration of Bayside State Prison has imposed a ban on feeding the cats that have been living on its grounds for over 10 years. Alley Cat Allies was allowed to initiate a Trap-Neuter-Return program, but nobody is allowed to install feeding stations, which are essential to TNR. Now the unfortunate cats are starving. Despite widespread outcry against this cruelty, the prison’s administration refuses to lift the feeding ban. Alley Cat Allies reached out to Bayside State Prison over and over again, requesting an end to the feeding ban and offering assistance with the prison’s Trap-Neuter-Return program—but the administration will not work with them.When ACA volunteers arrived at the prison to deliver food for the cats, they were turned away. The cats’ situation is dire, so cat lovers need to put pressure on the New Jersey Department of Corrections to lift the ban
Update #29 years ago
The latest from Alley Cat Allies:
A reinvigorated TNR program has returned to Bayside State Prison! In our last update, we announced that after weeks of constructive discussions with prison officials, we reached an agreement that ensured the cats would receive the care and food they need, prison operations wouldn’t be disturbed, the needs of inmates and staff would be met, and the cat population would not expand.
Update #19 years ago
From Alley Cat Allies News:
Thanks to your advocacy and vocal support, we are now in discussions with Bayside State Prison officials and have been on the prison grounds to assess the condition of the cats. The cats who we have been able to see appear to be in good shape. We are cautiously optimistic about reaching an agreement with prison officials. The cats are being fed on an interim basis as we work with prison officials to implement an ongoing program that will meet the cats’ needs.
