Police rescue 60 cats and kittens from abandoned sailboat off Washington beach after 6-day operation

Tacoma Police Department extended a six-day effort to remove 60 cats and kittens from an abandoned 40-foot sailboat off Owen Beach in Washington, continuing precautionary searches even after officials believed all animals were taken off. The Marine Services Unit responded Aug. 6 after reports of a vessel abandoned in nearby waters, finding more than 30 cats in unsafe conditions, many frightened and malnourished. Over the operation, the count grew to 60 as crews worked with Animal Control and the department’s Forensics Unit to extract the animals safely. Police said searches would continue with a search warrant because cats can hide, and they asked the public not to board the boat. Authorities also began steps to relocate the legally registered vessel.