Tacoma Police Department responded to reports of an abandoned boat near Owen Beach and were shocked by what they found inside. 

Marine Services Unit officers boarded the boat and found dozens of cats living in squalor inside the cabin. Frightened and malnourished cats who clearly had not had a nutritious meal in a while stared back at the officers.

They knew they would need help rescuing the cats from the "unsafe conditions", so they called Tacoma Animal Control officers and Forensic Technicians for assistance. 

Rescuers entered in hazmat suits to remove the cats and place them one-by-one in carriers to be transported back to shore. 

The first day 31 cats were removed, and rescuers were heartbroken to discover another 29 more the following day for a total of 60 cats. 

"Through a tremendous team effort, every cat and kitten is being safely removed from the boat," officers shared. "We’re proud of our Marine Services officers, Animal Control officers, and Forensic Technicians for their compassion and dedication—not only to the people they serve, but to every member of our community who needs a helping hand."

All 60 cats are finally getting the care they need and eventually will find loving homes. It will be a long road to recovery as they heal physically and emotionally. The shelter is grateful for fosters who stepped up to help. They state, "We’re trying our best to be prepared for whatever comes through our doors, but now that we have 193 cats in house and 234 in foster, our space, resources and staffing have been stretched thin."

People can help by adopting, fostering, and donating. 

Please report animal hoarding or neglect to your local police and humane society to help them get the care they need. Be a voice for the voiceless.