Tacoma police are issuing an urgent plea for the public to avoid boarding a 40-foot sailboat anchored off Owens Beach, which has become the focus of an extensive cat rescue operation. Authorities have recovered approximately 60 felines from the vessel over six days, using power tools at one point to access confined areas of the boat. Marine Services and Animal Control crews believe they have removed all the cats but will continue making sweeps to ensure no animals remain.
The department stated that while they appreciate the concern from animal lovers, the sailboat is an active crime scene. "PLEASE DO NOT BOARD THE VESSEL unless you are the legal owner," police said in a statement.
This warning follows an incident where Camille Sutherland, a private cat rescue trapper, boarded the boat without authorization and rescued two cats. Her actions have complicated the investigation into the boat's owner, and she could face charges for tampering with evidence. Sutherland expressed that authorities should prioritize rescuing cats over issuing citations.
Most of the rescued cats have been taken to the Tacoma Humane Society, with the remainder placed in foster homes. Veterinarians report that the cats are generally in good condition, though thin and shy. The Tacoma Humane Society is requesting donations and volunteers to assist with the care of the influx of animals. The origin of how so many cats came to be on the boat remains unclear to investigators.