City officials argued that the cat sanctuary at Torre Argentina in Rome, the place where Caesar was assassinated, was unsanitary and built without permission, a position denied by the volunteers who run the place. They threatened to tear it down and send the cats away.
"These cats are not up for debate, they are part of the history of Rome," mayor Gianni Alemanno said on a visit on Tuesday to the refuge, which currently looks after around 250 cats, providing them with food and vaccinations.
"This is a praiseworthy, historical, wonderful enterprise. The feline colony must not be hounded out. Woe to those who lay a finger on the cats," he said. ~ Rome mayor steps in to rescue cat colony
Should folks be able to run cat shelters in historic sites? Tell us in the comments.
Don't know about the Cats of Rome? see Rome Cats.
of course the cats must be cared for and they are done so in a clean and humane manor… go away all those who find no joy in their lives and must spread that joylessness to all those around them
The Mayor and volunteers are inspiring. “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.”. Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)
So pleased the Mayor of Rome has made his decision, just spent two weeks there & it was lovely seeing cats curled up among rhe ruins! They are happy, look healthy & no bother to tourists at all! Awesome news!