Tacoma police rescued 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned 40-foot sailboat off Owen Beach after a six-day operation. The animals were found living in unsafe conditions, and many appeared frightened and malnourished. Marine Services, Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit worked together to remove the cats safely. Officials said more than 40 animals were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, while the others went to local foster homes.
The rescue began on Aug. 6 after authorities received reports of the abandoned vessel. What first appeared to involve more than 30 cats ultimately became a much larger operation as officers continued searching the boat. Police said they would conduct additional checks because cats can remain hidden in difficult-to-reach spaces.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Rescue begins aboard an abandoned sailboat |
| 2) | Six-day search expands the animal count |
| 3) | Cats are transferred to care facilities and foster homes |
| 4) | Police warn the public not to board the vessel |
| 5) | Investigation and vessel removal remain ongoing |
Rescue begins aboard an abandoned sailboat
Tacoma Police Department’s Marine Services Unit responded on Aug. 6 to reports of an abandoned 40-foot sailboat anchored in the waters off Owen Beach in Washington. Officers found more than 30 cats and kittens aboard the vessel. The animals were living in conditions police described as unsafe, with many appearing frightened and undernourished.
Marine Services coordinated with Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit to plan the removal. The teams had to work aboard a boat that was both abandoned and subject to an active investigation, making a controlled operation necessary.
Six-day search expands the animal count
The operation continued for six days as officers and animal-control personnel searched the sailboat and removed the cats. The initial estimate of more than 30 animals increased to a final count of 60. Police later said Animal Control was as certain as possible that every cat had disembarked.
“That’s a wrap! The final cat is off the boat. Fur real this time!”
Despite reaching the reported total, police said additional searches would continue as a precaution. Officials noted that cats are capable of hiding in confined areas, leaving open the possibility that an animal could still be aboard.
Cats are transferred to care facilities and foster homes
The rescued animals were moved into temporary care after leaving the sailboat. More than 40 of the 60 cats were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The remaining cats and kittens were placed in foster homes in the surrounding area.
The arrangements were intended to provide the animals with shelter and care while authorities continued handling the case. Police have described some of the cats as frightened and malnourished, but no further medical details were announced.
Police warn the public not to board the vessel
Authorities asked visitors at Owen Beach and boaters in the area to notify Animal Control if they see another cat aboard the sailboat. They also warned members of the public not to attempt independent rescues or board the vessel without legal authority.
The warning followed an incident involving private cat rescue trapper Camille Sutherland, who told local television that she boarded the boat overnight and captured two cats. She took those animals to the Humane Society, saying she believed officials were taking too long. Police said the unauthorized boarding complicated their investigation.
“However, this remains an active criminal case. Our teams are working hard to protect the animals while also protecting the integrity of the investigation.”
Investigation and vessel removal remain ongoing
Police said the additional searches would be conducted under the authority of a search warrant. Marine Services has also begun the process of having the legally registered sailboat moved from the area. The vessel’s owner has not been publicly identified.
No arrests or criminal charges had been announced in connection with the case. Police asked the public to avoid interfering with the investigation and specifically instructed people not to board the vessel unless they are its legal owner.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police rescued 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat off Owen Beach. |
| 2 | The operation began Aug. 6 and lasted six days. |
| 3 | More than 40 cats went to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, with others placed in foster homes. |
| 4 | Police urged the public not to board the boat or conduct private rescues. |
| 5 | The investigation continues, and authorities are arranging to move the vessel. |
Summary
A coordinated Tacoma police operation removed 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned sailboat near Owen Beach. The animals were transferred to shelters and foster homes, while officers continued precautionary searches and preserved the vessel as part of an active criminal investigation. Authorities are asking the public to report sightings without boarding the boat or attempting further rescues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the cats found?
They were found aboard an abandoned 40-foot sailboat anchored off Owen Beach in Tacoma, Washington.
How many cats were rescued?
Tacoma police reported rescuing 60 cats and kittens during a six-day operation that began Aug. 6.
Where were the animals taken?
More than 40 were taken to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, while the remaining animals were placed in local foster homes.
Can members of the public board the sailboat?
No. Police instructed people not to board the vessel unless they are its legal owner and asked the public to report any cats seen aboard to Animal Control.
