Tacoma police rescue over 30 cats from abandoned boat

Authorities in Tacoma, Washington, rescued more than 30 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat anchored near Owen Beach. The Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit discovered the vessel on August 6, finding the animals living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving Animal Control and the Forensics Unit. Many of the felines were found to be malnourished and suffering from fleas, though officials noted they appeared relatively healthy given the circumstances. Due to the tight quarters and numerous hiding spots on the boat, rescuers used “cat math” to estimate the total number of animals.

The rescued cats were transported to the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society for medical treatment and will eventually be made available for adoption. Police have identified the boat’s owner through registration records but have not yet been able to contact them. An investigation is ongoing to determine if the incident constitutes animal hoarding or cruelty, which could lead to legal penalties under Washington State law.