BUCKLEY—Lynnwood-based Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) rescued 10 cats from an animal welfare investigation involving a Buckley home where its owner had more than 100 cats living in unsafe, and unsanitary, living conditions.
The Buckley Police Department followed up on a news tip last week of “dozens of cats” living in a home with three adults – of which the safety and sanitation status was questioned. During their subsequent investigation into the matter the Police Department found not only the condition of the home to be unfit for hundreds of cats, but humans alike.
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, cat litter was spread all over the house and the litter boxes that were visible were filled to the brim with feces. Food and water were present, however, indicating the cats were being cared for.
A total of 126 cats were rescued from the home – under a warrant approved by a judge – and were immediately documented and assessed for health issues. While some, surprisingly, seemed to be in relatively good health, many suffered from various health issues (such as respiratory problems) requiring immediate treatment conducted by nearby Auburn Valley Humane Society.
Animals ranged in age from newly born kittens to senior-aged cats needing more assistance and care.
The small animal shelter was eager to help, taking in 30 of the cats (including five pregnant cats and mother who had just given birth to a litter of kittens), but, seeing as their capacity is capped at 50 animals in total, reached out to animal shelters across the area for assistance.
According to the Auburn Valley Humane Society, taking in 125 cats at one time, at one location, would overburden the shelter’s daily operations and limit accepting surrenders and other emergency situations.
At Lynnwood’s PAWS, for example, the local animal shelter has already been working passed capacity with a rise of animal surrenders – driven by skyrocketing cost of living in the area. PAWS has the capacity to hold a total of 60 cats at any given time.
Since welcoming the 10 cats into PAWS’ care, four have already been adopted into loving homes, and two more are currently pending adoption, the animal shelter said. The remaining four cats are either ready or will be ready for adoption soon, following continued medical care and observation. PAWS is also preparing to receive five additional cats from this group later this weekend.
“This response reflects the strength of collaboration among animal welfare organizations and the compassion of the surrounding community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has opened their homes and hearts to these cats and supported the rescue effort,” said a PAWS spokesperson. “Thank you to our community partners, adopters, and supporters for helping give these animals the second chance they deserve.”
According to Sara Gomez Taylor, Associate Director of PAWS, all the cats the Lynnwood animal shelter took in were found to be in relatively good health, despite being covered in urine.
As for the Buckley home, and its residents, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the matter before officially filing charges. This investigation, the Department said, could potentially take weeks to complete.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
