Took my entire team out of commission': Tacoma animal control officer describes rescuing 61 cats from sailboat - MyNorthwest.com

A welfare check by Tacoma, Washington’s Marine Services Unit led to the rescue of 61 cats from a sailboat anchored off Owen Beach, but the operation effectively shut down the city’s animal control for days, an officer said. Tacoma Animal Control Officer Brittany Kirsch told KIRO Newsradio’s “The Jake and Spike Show” that the discovery kept her team out of commission for all of Friday, Monday, and Tuesday, and the count had reached 61 during the interview. Officers noticed a change in the vessel’s status and a swarm of flies inside the windows before boarding. The team coordinated with the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County and carried out a warrant by Friday morning, using Tyvek suits, respirators, goggles, and boot protectors. Kirsch said the warrant remains active and the boat is checked daily.