Tentative Deal Saves Cat Colony In Chinatown

New York (1010 WINS) -  The New York City Feral Cat Initiative of the Mayor's Alliance For NYC's Animals has announced a tentative agreement with the Archdiocese of New York to restore daily care and feeding to eight feral cats living at the historic St. James Church in lower Manhattan as part of a spayed and neutered colony.

The agreement was reached at a March 27 meeting attended by Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals President Jane Hoffman, Monsignor Kevin Nelan of the Archdiocese of New York, Father Lino Gonsalves of St. James Church, and NYCFCI Community Outreach Coordinator Mike Phillips.

In a statement, NYCFCI said "The church is setting a fine example of leadership by example with this compassionate and humane consideration for these cats abandoned to the street through no fault of their own. Though not completely resolved, we are confident this will be a win-win for the cats and St. James Church."

As part of a trial period, both parties agreed that a suitable feeding station and shelters for the cats would be placed on church property along with a litter box.  There will be an onsite meeting with the church pastor and caretakers this week to work out a routine, and the plan will be reevaluated in sixty days.