126 neglected cats living in inhumane conditions rescued from Buckley home

Police executed a search warrant in Buckley on Wednesday and discovered a clowder of 126 neglected cats, who have since been rescued and are receiving treatment.

The Buckley Police Department (BPD) received a tip that more than 100 cats were living in a home with three adults, in deplorable conditions, BPD announced.

“Four cats from two years ago became an inbreeding mess, and four cats multiplied into more than 100 cats,” said Pierce County Deputy Carly Cappetto. “This definitely was not a breeding situation. A lot of those cats just were inbred. Essentially, they were breeding with each other within the home.”

Buckley Police seize 126 cats in animal cruelty case

A BPD investigation revealed that the living conditions were unsafe for both humans and animals, prompting the approval of an animal control search warrant.

“The smell was so incredibly putrid that there were tips coming in about this home that had cats inside of it,” Deputy Cappetto said.

All cats were removed from the home, placed in crates, photographed, documented, and evaluated for their health status.

“Many of the cats were suffering from a variety of health conditions,” a Pierce County Sheriff’s Office deputy said. “Several were transported immediately to a center for medical treatment.”

Officers requested that donations, including large and medium-sized wire crates, cat food, and litter, be delivered to the Buckley Police Department.

BPD noted that no additional details will be released at this time out of respect for the investigative process.

Local sanctuaries, shelters band together to save cats

The Onalaska Farm Sanctuary took in the 126 cats hours later, working alongside the Auburn Valley Humane Society and Pasado’s Safe Haven.

Veterinarians were on-site, vaccinating, deworming, and administering flea medication to all 126 cats who were rescued. Onalaska Farm noted that all pregnant cats, mothers with kittens, and kittens have been placed with shelters or rescue facilities.

No kittens need placement at this time, though 15 shy adults are still looking for placement as of Thursday at midnight.

“These cats are so beautiful, colorful, and unique (not that it matters, but they are stupid cute!),” Onalaska Farm Sanctuary stated. “If you are in Pierce County and you are willing to foster a shy cat or two, please reach out. These cats all deserve a chance.”

Pierce County residents who are willing to foster a shy adult cat are urged to comment on the Facebook post here, and a foster coordinator will reach out to you if placement is needed.

Officials noted that the shy adult cats must be fostered in another room, away from any other pets.

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