BRINNON, Wash. — The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says somewhere between 140 and 145 cats were rescued from a property in Brinnon this week.
The department says they were taken Wednesday, as part of an ongoing investigation.
A representative from the department said the cats were found living across the property, including inside abandoned vehicles. The representative said it appeared none had been spayed or neutered.
The Center Valley Animal Rescue (CVAR) in Quilcene initially took all the cats.
“This was our biggest actual cat hoarding case,” said Director Sara Penhallegon.
Some of the cats have been taken by rescue partners, but a majority still remain at CVAR.
Penhallegon said the facility typically holds around 50 cats on site. On Wednesday, they had about 200.
“We have volunteers in here working right now and taking care of all these cats,” she said.
Penhallegon said it appeared the cats had food where they were living, but many had medical issues.
“The biggest medical problems we’re seeing are from fleas and parasites and those can be major problems,” she said.
The issues can especially wreak havoc on young kittens. One of those kittens has unfortunately since passed away.
The rescue has had veterinarians and volunteers working round the clock to ensure the cats are healthy and safe, but the medical services can still be costly.
“Monetary donations, we can put that straight towards the medications that we need,” Penhallegon said. “This is costing a lot of money. Everyone got vaccinated. Everyone got wormed, flea treated, and whatever medical care they need they’re getting.”
Donations can be made here.
Eventually, all of these cats will need new loving homes too. The rescues include a large variety of cat breeds and colors, ensuring there’s a furry friend for everyone looking for one.
On ‘X’ the sheriff’s department thanked Clallam County Animal Control and Central Valley Animal Rescue for their help in rescuing, processing, and treating each one of the cats.
Sheriff’s officials told KIRO 7 that no arrests have been made. The investigation is still ongoing. All evidence will be handed over to prosecutors, who will issue decisions on criminal charges.