More than a hundred cats rescued and many found dead during an animal cruelty investigation in Wicomico County

- Maryland, USA -

An investigation that the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began back in November 2025, has resulted in the rescue of more than a hundred cats in Delmar.

The sheriff's office said that investigators had received information about a cat sanctuary in the 32000 block of Landing Lane in Delmar. Investigators learned that the sanctuary was housing several hundred cats and that the felines were being subjected to inhumane conditions.

The findings of the investigation and all the evidence that was gathered led the sheriff's office to secure search-and-seizure warrants.  

According to the sheriff’s office, on the early morning of February 25, 2026, detectives with its Criminal Investigation Division, in coordination with the Humane World for Animals, Animal Control Officers from the Wicomico County Humane Society, and the Salisbury City Police Department Animal Control Unit, executed the search and seizure warrants at the sanctuary.

The rescue was a challenging operation as officials had to face unfavorable weather conditions, including several inches of snow.

The Humane World for Animals explained in their press release: “Responders found cats huddled together outdoors in frigid conditions, while others were found in hazardous, unsanitary sheds and outbuildings.” The release also noted that the furvictims are “suffering from apparent upper respiratory infections were wheezing and had crusty discharge around their eyes and noses.” Additionally, many of them “were noticeably underweight with protruding vertebrae.”

Sadly, several deceased cats and skeletal remains were also found on the property.

The rescued cats were evaluated by veterinarians and the Humane World for Animals posted about the medical situation of a female gray cat who was found limping. The agency said the feline is “emaciated, dehydrated, suffering from a severely infected wound to her left hind foot, and has an upper respiratory infection. She has been hospitalized for further diagnostics and treatment.”

The Humane World for Animals then reported that another cat “has severe corneal scarring of her right eye, which appears to be bulging outward, while her left eye appears sunken in with heavy yellow discharge and conjunctivitis. She has been sent to a veterinary hospital with an ophthalmologist specialist. This girl is missing most of her teeth and has ear mites, along with urine staining on her feet.”

“A third cat appeared to have matted fur at the base of his throat. Upon trimming the fur away, a large, painful open wound was uncovered, requiring immediate treatment. He is also severely dehydrated, underweight and oozing green nasal discharge,” said the Humane World for Animals in their press release.

Shalimar Oliver, animal crimes case manager for Humane World for Animals, said: “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.”

It is currently unclear whether charges will be filed in this case. The case remains active.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press releases by the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office and the Humane World for Animals. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

Pictures shared from the Humane World for Animals.

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