A total of 61 cats have been rescued from an abandoned boat near Owen Beach in Tacoma, Washington, according to the Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County. The rescue operation, conducted over several days, involved navigating the 40-foot vessel which had numerous hiding spots for the cats. Shelbie Boyd of Tacoma Police mentioned that while they believe all the cats have been accounted for, ongoing checks will continue to ensure no animals remain on the boat.
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Currently, around 24 of these cats are in foster homes, with all being reported in relatively healthy condition. Madi Kaeding from the humane society stated that this positive health status facilitates the supportive care process. The rescued cats will remain with the humane society or their foster homes pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
In addition to the 61 cats from the boat, the Humane Society is managing a large influx overall, with more than 70 other adoptable cats available. They are actively seeking public assistance in fostering or adopting these animals, with supplies and food provided for foster parents.
As of August 12, no formal charges have been filed regarding the situation. Boyd indicated that animal control will review the overall circumstances, including the condition of the boat and veterinary reports related to the cats, to determine potential legal actions in collaboration with the prosecutor's office.