PETA Backs Cat Running for Mayor in Mexico: Wants Candidate to ‘Fix’ City Stray Problem

For Immediate Release:
June 14, 2013

Contact:
Kaitlynn Kelly 202-483-7382 

Xalapa, Mexico – If Facebook “likes” were votes, then Morris—the cat running for mayor in Xalapa, the state capital of Veracruz, Mexico—would win the upcoming July 7 election by a landslide. Now, PETA is hoping the “candigato” will expand his platform from taking on corrupt “fat cat” politicians to slashing the homeless-animal crisis, which causes cats and dogs to lose their lives and costs cities money. In a letter sent today to Morris, PETA asks Morris to push for a city ordinance requiring all residents to spay and neuter their dogs and cats—the only way to prevent more puppies and kittens from being born into a world with insufficient homes to accommodate them. 

“Morris has fans all around the world, but millions of homeless cats and dog—in Xalapa and throughout Mexico—need him to champion their cause,” says PETA Latino spokesperson Renée Saldaña. “PETA believes that Morris will be the cat’s meow if he makes spaying and neutering a top priority for the city.”

For more information, please visit PETA.org. 

Please note: PETA’s backing of Morris for mayor is obviously intended as a humorous way to provide Xalapa residents with information about ways to address the homeless-animal crisis. PETA makes no comment on the suitability for office of any bipedal candidates. PETA promotes and educates the public on ways to help animals and does not directly or indirectly participate in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Voters should consider a range of issues important to them in deciding how to cast their vote on election day. 

PETA’s letter to Morris follows 

June 14, 2013

Morris
Mayoral Candidate
City of Xalapa

Dear Morris,

I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and our more than 3 million members and supporters, including thousands across Mexico. We were delighted to hear the news that the legislature of Veracruz voted to ban bullfights, circuses that exploit animals, dogfighting, and other forms of animal abuse! I’d like to wish you luck in clawing your way to the top of Xalapa’s mayoral election. Your campaign to reduce the number of “rats” (although in defense of rats, they are actually clean, loyal, and smart) in Xalapa’s government buildings has become famous, but we urge you also to pounce on the opportunity to reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats on the city’s streets by pushing for a city ordinance requiring everyone to spay and neuter the animals in their homes and treat strays kindly. After all, it’s pawsitively sad and undignified for a cat to have to eat from garbage cans in order to survive.

Let’s face it: One wild night for a cat can result in thousands of descendents over the years. Every year, countless animals end up in shelters, and many of them have to be sent to kitty heaven or the great dog park in the sky because there simply aren’t enough good homes to go around in Xalapa. I’m sure you’ve seen the sad fate of dogs and cats who must try to eke out a life on the streets. They often fall victim to events that snuff out all nine of their lives, including being hit by vehicles, being abused by drunks and other nasty humans, getting into fights with other animals, and succumbing to disease or starvation. Humans who don’t get their animals fixed are to blame for this suffering, but requiring them to have their animals spayed and neutered can help make animal homelessness hisstory.

Spaying and neutering is the cat’s meow: It can help dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives since fixed animals are less likely to develop cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system. This issue is purrfect for your platform, as reducing the number of homeless animals in Xalapa will also help keep the city cleaner and reduce the public costs associated with the animal overpopulation crisis—measures that are sure to make you the winner.

Thank you very much for your attention. 

Sincerely,

Renée Saldaña
Latino Community Outreach Coordinator