Our Animal Rescue Team is on the scene at an alleged animal cruelty case in Maryland, where over 100 cats are in need of immediate care.
Many appear to be underweight, dehydrated, showing signs of eye issues or sick. Sadly, our team has even found deceased cats. The survivors need to be rescued as soon as possible.
Updates
February 25, 2026: Law enforcement officials served a search and seizure warrant on a residential property at approximately 7 a.m. We will assist the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office with animal handling, veterinary care for the cats and scene documentation.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee/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.
Shalimar Oliver, animal crimes case manager, Humane World for Animals
Conditions on-scene
- Responders found cats huddled together outdoors in frigid conditions, while others were found in hazardous, unsanitary sheds and outbuildings.
- In addition, they found several deceased cats and skeletal remains on the property.
- Many of the cats were noticeably underweight with protruding vertebrae.
- Cats suffering from apparent upper respiratory infections were wheezing and had crusty discharge around their eyes and noses.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
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Rescue operations like this case are made possible thanks to Maryland’s cost-of-care law, which Humane World for Animals helped to pass in 2022 with the leadership of Del. David Moon and Senator Jeff Waldstreicher. The law requires the owner of animals seized by law enforcement agencies to either contribute to animal care expenses or forfeit custody of the animals. Without such measures, seized animals are often held for months or years while criminal cases are prosecuted, which imposes a prohibitive cost on law enforcement agencies and taxpayers. Humane World for Animals works to advance cost-of-care legislation in states throughout the U.S. to remove that significant obstacle in the enforcement of animal protection laws.
We always hope to see positive outcomes and a new beginning for the animals we rescue, while recognizing that in alleged cruelty or neglect situations, animals have often been living in poor, unsanitary conditions while suffering from serious health issues without proper veterinary treatment.
The animals were transported to a safe, undisclosed location where they are receiving in depth veterinary exams and lifesaving treatment. We are focused on addressing their immediate needs at this time but will share information on placement when available.
The animals are in safe locations receiving much-needed treatment and TLC. We keep the location of animals rescued as part of law enforcement seizures confidential for the safety and security of the animals as well as that of our team on the ground.
The assistance of Humane World for Animals was requested by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is best suited to speak to any related criminal proceedings.
Several recently deceased cats were found on the property, in addition to skeletal remains of cats.
More about animal rescue and response
Whether it’s a fire, cruelty or neglect case, or animal fighting operation, we respond wherever animals need help.
We rescue, transport and rehabilitate thousands of animals every year.
When disaster strikes, Humane World for Animals' Rescue Team leaps into action, working with local agencies.
From emergency rescue to months of recovery, every animal's second chance takes time, resources and compassion.
Donate today to our Emergency Animal Relief Fund!
We never know where disasters will strike or when animals may be in need of urgent rescue, but we know we must be ready. Your support makes our preparedness, rescue, care and relief work possible.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals