Guardian Protections

ROOTED IN FAITH. SHIELDED BY LAW.

Because caring for cats is sacred duty, not a crime.

Why Protection Matters

Across Phoenix and beyond, Guardians often face harassment for their sacred work — neighbors who threaten harm, landlords who forbid feeding, or authorities who dismiss homeless cats as “just animals.” But to us, each cat is a divine creation, a soul entrusted to our care. Guardianship is not a hobby or casual act of kindness — it is a spiritual practice, a religious duty, and a soul calling.

We remember Chris Arsenault of Happy Cats Sanctuary, who poured his heart into saving hundreds of cats yet faced relentless opposition from neighbors and local authorities. His passing is a solemn reminder of what is at stake when caregivers stand alone. Guardians of the Cats exists so that no one called to this sacred duty is left unprotected or without fellowship.

When Compassion Is Criminalized

In Wetumpka, Alabama, two women — Mary Alston (61) and Beverly Roberts (85) — were arrested, tried, and sentenced simply for feeding and trapping cats so they could be neutered. Their work was a clear act of compassion, yet it was treated as a crime.

Legal Foundation

As an ordained Guardian of the Cats, you are protected under U.S. religious freedom laws, including:

RLUIPA (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act):
Prevents the government or local authorities from placing undue burdens on your religious practice. Feeding, sheltering, and protecting cats is recognized as your spiritual practice.
First Amendment Rights:
Your care of cats as a religious expression is protected under freedom of religion, not merely personal preference.
Ministerial Protections:
As an ordained Guardian, your acts of service — feeding, TNR, rescuing the sick or injured — are ministry. They are safeguarded as religious acts.

How Guardians of the Cats Could Help

If Mary and Beverly had been Ordained Guardians, they would not have stood alone.

Ordination & Recognition: Their feeding and TNR work would have been recognized as sincerely held religious practice, not “trespassing.”
Clergy Affirmation: They could have presented a certificate of ordination and a clergy letter explaining that their care for cats was a sacred duty protected by U.S. law.
Legal Protections: With support under the First Amendment and RLUIPA, their arrests could have been challenged as an unconstitutional burden on religious freedom.
Defense & Advocacy: Guardians of the Cats would have provided:
- Access to legal counsel funded through the Guardian Legal Fund.
- Incident reporting and direct clergy backing.
- A Rights Card to show law enforcement.

Why This Matters

Mary and Beverly’s case shows what so many Guardians face: harassment, fines, even jail for answering a soul-calling to protect cats. Our mission is to ensure no Guardian ever stands alone, and that compassion is never treated as a crime.

Common Situations Guardians Face

Harassment by neighbors: Threats of harm, attempts to scare cats away, or destruction of feeding stations.
Authority challenges: Being told “you can’t feed cats here” or pressured to abandon them.
Dismissal of suffering: When police or officials refuse to act, claiming “there’s nothing we can do.”

Under Guardianship, these acts are not just caregiving — they are the living expression of a religious and spiritual practice. To obstruct them is to obstruct your faith.

Walking in Faith

We know the path is not always easy. But every time a Guardian sets down a bowl, rescues an injured soul, or defends a forgotten life, you are walking in Spirit. You are protected by law, but more importantly, you are held by a fellowship that sees your work as holy.

Together, we affirm:

"To deny care to the forgotten is to deny Spirit itself. To protect them is to honor the divine."

Request Guardian Support

FAQs

Am I really protected as a Guardian under religious freedom laws?

Yes. As an ordained Guardian within a recognized faith-based organization, your care for cats is considered a spiritual practice. Under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) and other U.S. protections, your right to feed, comfort, and safeguard cats as an expression of faith cannot be dismissed as “just a hobby.”

What if neighbors threaten me or destroy my feeding stations?

Harassment of a Guardian is harassment of a religious practice. Our organization can draft official letters of recognition and warning, affirming that your care is a protected spiritual duty. If needed, we can also connect you with legal counsel.

Can I still get in trouble for feeding cats on public or private property?

Protections are strongest on your own property or where you have permission. On public or contested land, ordinances may still apply, but your ordination strengthens your defense. In cases like this, our clergy can draft letters, and if needed, legal counsel can be consulted.

Does this mean I can build a sanctuary anywhere?

Not without zoning compliance. While sanctuaries on your own property may qualify for religious land use protections, large-scale facilities still require permits. Guardianship primarily covers your daily faith practice of feeding, TNR, medical help, and comfort for cats.

What happens if authorities or landlords say I can’t feed cats?

You can request an official letter from Guardians of the Cats affirming your religious right to care for cats. Often, these letters resolve the matter quickly. If not, we can explore further legal options together.

Do I need to contact a lawyer myself?

No. Guardians of the Cats maintains access to legal counsel for guidance. While you are always free to retain your own attorney, our role is to stand beside you so you’re not navigating harassment or disputes alone.

Is every situation guaranteed to be won in court?

No legal protection is absolute. However, by being part of a recognized religious nonprofit, your case carries far more weight. Many disputes can be resolved before reaching court through letters, mediation, and documentation of your ordination.

What proof will I have of my protection?

Each Guardian receives:

Certificate of Ordination
Guardian ID Badge
Optional Support Letters drafted for neighbors, landlords, or authorities if harassment occurs