An abandoned sailboat situated off a Washington beach became the site of an extensive animal rescue operation when authorities discovered 60 cats and kittens living aboard the vessel. Many of the animals were found to be frightened and malnourished.
The unusual rescue commenced on August 6, initiated by the Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit following reports of a 40-foot sailboat found derelict in the waters off Owen Beach.
Upon their initial inspection, officers located more than 30 cats and kittens residing in hazardous conditions on the boat. These felines exhibited signs of fear and malnutrition. The Marine Services Unit subsequently began collaborating with Animal Control and the department's Forensics Unit to ensure the safe extraction of the animals.
What began as an effort to rescue over 30 cats ultimately expanded into a six-day operation, culminating in the rescue of 60 felines.
Police announced the conclusion of the primary rescue efforts with a playful update:
“That's a wrap! The final cat is off the boat. Fur real this time!” police wrote. “Final cat count: 60!”
Authorities indicated that Animal Control was “as certain as they can be that all cats have officially disembarked.” The department lightheartedly added:
“That's all for meow!”
Continued Vigilance and Public Warnings
Despite the successful rescue of all 60 cats, law enforcement stated they would conduct additional trips to the vessel throughout the week as a precautionary measure.
“While we believe we have safely removed all of the cats from the boat, as any cat owner knows, cats are exceptionally good at hiding,” police explained. “Because there is always a possibility that a cat may remain onboard, our work isn't quite finished.”
These subsequent searches will be carried out under the authority of a search warrant. Concurrently, the Marine Services Unit has initiated procedures to relocate the legally registered vessel.
Authorities have urged individuals visiting Owen Beach or boating in the vicinity to contact Animal Control if they observe any remaining felines on the sailboat. They also issued a stern warning to the public against attempting their own rescue efforts.
“We know many animal lovers in our community want to help, and we appreciate the concern for these cats,” police stated. “However, this remains an active criminal case. Our teams are working hard to protect the animals while also protecting the integrity of the investigation.”
The department reiterated:
“PLEASE DO NOT BOARD THE VESSEL unless you are the legal owner.”
Unauthorized Boarding and Animal Placement
This warning followed an incident where Camille Sutherland, a private cat rescue trapper, reportedly boarded the vessel overnight. She informed a local news outlet that she captured two cats, which she then transported to the Humane Society.
Sutherland explained to the outlet that her intention was to assist and that she believed authorities were taking too long to rescue the animals.
Law enforcement officials conveyed to the local news outlet that the unauthorized boarding complicated their ongoing investigation into the vessel's owner.
As of now, police have not announced any arrests or charges in connection with this case.
Of the 60 rescued cats, more than 40 were transported to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The remaining animals were placed in various foster homes across the area, according to reports from the local news outlet.
