60 Cats Discovered Living Inside Tacoma Sailboat as Police Issue 'Stay Off Boat' Warning
Six days of rescue efforts by Tacoma police and animal control remove 60 felines from a 40-foot vessel.
The scene at Owens Beach near Tacoma Point Defiance has drawn attention from across the region. A 40-foot sailboat anchored in these waters became the unlikely residence for dozens of felines after authorities noticed improper lighting conditions. The discovery of 60 cats living aboard the vessel has turned the quiet beach into a busy hub for rescue operations.
Tacoma police have been clear in their message to the community regarding this case. They want to stop well-meaning residents from playing hero by boarding the vessel. The boat remains an active crime scene, which means the official process for removing the animals must remain uninterrupted. Authorities are working to ensure no one disturbs the evidence or the ongoing investigation.
Over the course of six days, Marine Services and Animal Control crews have worked tirelessly to remove the animals from the boat. The process was not easy. Officials had to use power tools to tear into portions of the vessel to access the cramped confines where the cats were hiding safely. This effort has resulted in the successful recovery of 60 cats from the sailboat.
The condition of the cats provides a glimpse into their difficult living conditions. Veterinarians report that while most are generally in good condition, they are thin and understandably shy. The sudden influx has transformed the Tacoma Humane Society into a temporary cat metropolis. More than 40 of the rescued cats were transported there, while the remainder were sent to foster homes in the area.
However, the operation faced a hurdle when a private cat rescue trapper named Camille Sutherland decided to board the boat overnight. She managed to catch two kitties and bring them to the Humane Society. The police stated that her intervention complicated their criminal investigation into the boat's owner. As a result, Sutherland could be cited for tampering with evidence.
Despite the potential citation, Sutherland remains firm in her stance. She shared her perspective with KING 5, stating, "They should be spending their time rescuing cats rather than giving me a citation." Her actions highlight the passion that drives those who work in rescue, even if it means clashing with official protocols.
For the team at the Tacoma Humane Society, the focus is on the welfare of the animals. Stefanie Cornell, a representative for the shelter, noted that any large case requires teamwork. She expressed gratitude for being able to offer a happy, kind face for the cats when they arrive. The shelter is currently seeking donations and volunteers to help provide food and care for the large group.
Authorities are not declaring victory yet. They plan to make additional trips to the boat this week to ensure no feline stragglers remain. They have asked for no interference from the cat-loving public. The message is simple. While the community cares deeply, the boat is off-limits to everyone except the legal owner and the rescue teams.
First reported by nypost.com.
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