Animal welfare investigations reported in Washington and Austria

Authorities in Washington state completed a six-day operation to rescue 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat near Owen Beach. The Tacoma Police Department's marine patrol unit discovered the animals in dangerous conditions, noting that many appeared frightened and malnourished. Investigators are continuing to search the vessel under a search warrant to ensure no animals remain, and a criminal investigation into the matter is underway.

In a separate animal welfare investigation in Lower Austria, officials discovered approximately 400 dead pigs at a fattening farm in the Amstetten district. The investigation has revealed significant discrepancies in documentation, with roughly 1,000 pigs unaccounted for. During the inspection, bone remains were found in the stables, leading investigators to consider whether the animals may have consumed one another, though this remains unproven. The remaining 88 live animals were moved to other local farms.