More than 50 cats have now been rescued from an abandoned boat near Tacoma's Owen Beach as police continue investigating a possible animal cruelty case.
More than 50 cats have now been rescued from an abandoned boat near Tacoma's Owen Beach as police continue investigating a possible animal cruelty case.
The Tacoma Police Department said officers, the Marine Services Unit and Animal Control rescued 21 additional cats from the vessel Monday.
That brings the total number of cats removed from the boat to 51.
Police rescued at least 30 cats during an initial search of the boat on Aug. 7. Investigators later obtained an amended search warrant, allowing them to conduct a more extensive search of the vessel, where they found the additional cats.
"The conditions of the boat were disgusting," Tacoma Police Spokesperson Shelbie Boyd said.
Investigators believe three or four more cats may still be on board and are working to safely remove them.
Police said some of the cats had become stressed and were hiding deep inside the vessel.
All of the rescued cats have been taken to the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County, where they will be examined by a veterinarian. Investigators said those evaluations will help determine the animals' condition as Animal Control works with the prosecutor's office to decide whether criminal charges are warranted.
Police have not identified the owner of the boat but said it is legally registered. A paddleboarder who recently passed the vessel said its registration tabs appeared to be current.
The Tacoma Police Department said the case remains an active criminal investigation. The Marine Services Unit is also determining what will happen to the abandoned boat.
