More than 30 cats and kittens were rescued from an abandoned boat anchored in the waters off Owen Beach after Tacoma police responded to reports of the vessel o
Over 40 cats and kittens were discovered on an abandoned sail boat anchored in the waters off Owen Beach on Thursday, leading to a lengthy recovery mission for Animal Control.
Tacoma Police responded to reports of a vessel with improper lighting, only to find just cats on board. They then returned with the Marine Services Unit, to over 40 of the felines living in "unsafe conditions” inside the boat, according to police.
Officers coordinated with Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit to safely remove the animals, a mission that continued through Friday afternoon, bringing 31 of the cats to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.
“That’s incredible, just such a surprise, how did they get on there," said Jesse Molloy after learning of the situation, while taking a routine walk along Owen Beach with his family.
As of Friday night, there were still about 10 to 14 more cats on board the boat who were hiding or too scared to cooperate with Animal Control. KOMO News crews could see multiple cats walking around the topside of the boat, and laying in different spots while looking from shore.
“Unlike a normal case, we do need assistance with getting out there [by boat], and then there’s the challenge of the boat itself, pretty close quarters, and because it is a sail boat there’s a lot of nooks and crannies for cats to hide in," said Cheri Page with Tacoma Animal Control.
Page says that many of the cats were actually in fairly good condition, although they did have fleas.
“They have been clearly fed and watered, but they’ve been on that boat for some time," she explained, noting that it was likely months, if not longer that the cats were living on the sail boat.
Animal Control says that they've contacted a possible owner, but hadn't established communication with them. They say that no charges or fees are being discussed as of Friday afternoon, with the investigation still ongoing.
Page says it's once again a lesson to be responsible and reach out for help if you find yourself in an overwhelming situation with animals.
“People and start with just a few cats and they’re not spayed or neutered, and unfortunately they do what cats do, and make more cats," Page said, "That’s why at Tacoma Animal Control, we really emphasize that you spay and neuter your cats, and dogs.” she said.
Tacoma Police praised Marine Services officers, Animal Control officers and forensic technicians for their work during the rescue.
