Puget Sound Cat Rescue
Over 50 Cats Rescued From Abandoned Sailboat in Puget Sound After Welfare Check
More than 50 cats were rescued from an abandoned sailboat in Puget Sound near Tacoma, Washington, last week — a number that stunned the animal control officers who answered what began as a routine welfare check, according to WLBT and KKTV.
Officers first removed 30 cats from the vessel, which was found anchored and abandoned. As the search continued, the total climbed past 50. Tacoma police are now working with rescue organizations to prevent overcrowding at local shelters, Fox Carolina reported.
Joggers Spot Cat in Water, Triggering the Rescue
The rescue started not with an official report, but with two people on a morning jog. Ashton Effertz and Jesse McConaha were running along the waterfront when they spotted a cat struggling in Puget Sound. They raised the alarm, which led authorities to the nearby sailboat, according to KALB and KY3.
The cat found in the water was pulled to safety and treated at an animal hospital. Without Effertz and McConaha's quick action, the dozens of cats still aboard the boat might not have been found in time.
Abandoned Boat Held Over 50 Cats Onboard
The sailboat was anchored in Puget Sound but had no owner present. Animal control officers boarded the vessel and began removing cats one by one. The initial sweep pulled out 30 cats. Further searches pushed the count past 50, according to KFYR-TV and KOLD.
The conditions aboard the boat were not immediately described in detail. But the sheer number of cats on such a small vessel raised serious concerns about their health and welfare. It is not yet known who owned the boat or how the cats came to be there.
Tacoma Authorities Race to Avoid Shelter Overcrowding
With more than 50 cats needing care, local shelters faced a real strain. Tacoma police moved quickly, reaching out to rescue organizations to spread out the animals and prevent any one shelter from being overwhelmed, according to WAVE 3 and KPLC.
The rescued cats were being evaluated for their health needs after the ordeal. It remains unclear how long the animals had been living on the boat or whether any had died before the rescue. Authorities have not confirmed whether any criminal investigation is underway.
What Happens Next for the Rescued Cats
Rescue groups are now caring for the more than 50 cats as they work to find each one a home. The animals range in condition, and some required immediate medical attention after being taken off the boat, AZ Family and WMTV reported.
Local organizations are asking the public for support, including donations and foster homes, to help manage the large intake. Anyone in the Tacoma area interested in adopting or fostering one of the rescued cats is encouraged to contact local animal control or rescue groups.
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