Los Angeles, CA…After pressure from employees and the animal protection organization In Defense of Animals (IDA), Boeing Space and Communications has put an end to the trapping and "relocation" of feral cats living at its Seal Beach facility. Representatives from Boeing and employees caring for the cats reached an agreement to allow the remaining cats to continue living at the facility.

IDA has also learned that a colony of 100-200 feral cats currently living at the Boeing facility in Long Beach face an uncertain future due to planned redevelopment. Boeing officials at the facility have agreed to meet with IDA and other concerned parties.

In an open letter, Boeing Space and Communications’ President Jim Albaugh expressed his personal disturbance and sincere regret over the situation at Seal Beach, and promised that it will never happen again.

"As President of Boeing Space and Communications – and, more important, as an animal lover myself – I am very sorry about what happened and about the way it was communicated to internal and external audiences. In short, the situation was handled poorly and I am personally disturbed by what happened. I’ve issued instructions that this will never happen again," wrote Mr. Albaugh. "Again, I sincerely regret the events of the past two weeks. Despite the mistakes of a few, Boeing is made up of thousands of individuals who truly care about the welfare of all animals. I know I do and am eager to have such values reflected in the workplace."

"Jim Albaugh’s immediate and positive actions really showed that he is committed to the welfare of all of the animals living at the Seal Beach facility," said IDA field representative Bill Dyer. "Hopefully we can work together with Long Beach Boeing officials, and other interested parties, to create a plan of trapping, sterilization and relocation. Ideally a generous and caring person or company will step forward and donate the money and space needed to relocate the entire colony."

IDA is looking for people and places to house the 100-200 feral cats now living at the Long Beach facility. Ideally they would be relocated with the colony intact. Please contact IDA’s Southern California field representative Bill Dyer 310-301-7730. Also, please remember to include your phone number so that Bill may get back to you.