BREAKING: Over 100 Cats Rescued from Property in Delmar

1 hour ago

Haley Rae, Sophia Peters,

Image Courtesy of Humane World for Animals

DELMAR, Md. – Over one hundred cats were rescued from an alleged cruelty case at a property in Delmar on Wednesday morning.

On Feb. 25, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) served a search and seizure warrant on a residential property at approximately 7:00 a.m. The Humane Society of Wicomico County, Wicomico County Animal Control, and an animal control officer with the Salisbury Police Department also assisted at the location.

WCSO Lieutenant Burley Williams said the following about the investigation:

“The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to thoroughly investigating allegations of animal cruelty and ensuring the safety and well-being of animals in our community. This was a complex and large-scale operation conducted under challenging weather conditions, and we are grateful for the expertise and resources provided by Humane World for Animals and the Wicomico County Humane Society, as well as the assistance of Wicomico County Animal Control and Salisbury Animal Control… We also recognize the importance of Maryland’s cost-of-care law, which helps alleviate the financial burden associated with long-term animal seizures and allows for more timely placement when appropriate. This remains an active investigation, and our office will continue working collaboratively with our partners to pursue accountability and safeguard the welfare of animals in Wicomico County.”

Nonprofit Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, assisted WCSO with expert animal handling, veterinarian care, and scene documentation. They report finding cats in an array of hazardous conditions, including being held in unsanitary sheds or kept in frigid outdoor weather. Addition, Humane World says they found several deceased cats and skeletal remains on the property.

Many of the cats were reportedly underweight with protruding vertebrae. Cats suffering from apparent upper respiratory infections were wheezing and had crusty discharge around their eyes and noses. One cat was seen limping and unable to place weight on its hind leg.

Image Courtesy of Humane World for Animals

“It’s sad beyond words to see so many sick, desperate cats in the cold, especially knowing they just endured a snowstorm in such poor health. Their survival is testament to their resilience, which gives me hope as we help them begin a long road to recovery,” said Shalimar Oliver, Humane World Animal Crimes Case Manager. “We are deeply grateful to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office for inviting us to work alongside them in getting these cats the care and treatment they deserve.”

Humane World says they are transporting the cats to a safe, undisclosed location where responders and volunteers will provide them with care and treatment. RedRover Responders volunteers are also assisting with daily care.

Image Courtesy of Humane World for Animals

“Today’s rescue of over 100 cats in Maryland is what’s possible when partners across agencies work swiftly and in unison,” said Stacey Volodin, Humane World’s Maryland State Director. “I’d like to thank the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland Department of Agriculture and all the agencies involved in ensuring this seizure could move forward safely, effectively and with the animals’ well-being at the center of every decision.”