Sign: 68 Cats Found Trapped in a Filthy Moving Truck, 10 Dead, One Partially Consumed by Others

Published: February 03, 2026 at 06:10 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Pierce County, Washington –After receiving reports that animals inside a parked truck may be suffering, Tacoma Police conducted a welfare check at a motel on S. 76th Street and discovered 68 neglected cats trapped inside a 15-foot moving truck without food or water. Police officers made the grim discovery of 68 neglected cats, 10 dead, in the cab and cargo area of a parked U-Haul truck.

Naomi Erma Harrison, 39, exited her Motel 6 room and told officers that she was the owner of the vehicle they were searching.

The police report outlines the “inhumane and chaotic” conditions the cats were subjected to:

“In three crates along the right wall of the truck box dozens of cats were found and some appeared deceased. The deceased cats were found emaciated and appeared aged around adulthood. Food and water was not found available in any part of the U-Haul. The live cats were thin and drenched all over their body with urine and feces.” One cat was partially consumed by others.

Image representation of what conditions may have looked like based on available reports.

As reported by Fox 13, responding animal control officers noted the truck reeked of urine and waste, and said, “The remaining cats were agitated, very wet with urine, and stepping on the deceased cats.” One cat was partially consumed by others.

Police detained Harrison at the scene, and she was transported to the Pierce County Jail. She was released after posting bail. Charging documents show Harrison is accused of “criminal negligence [to] starve, dehydrate or suffocate an animal, or expose an animal to excessive heat or cold and, as a result, cause substantial and unjustifiable physical pain that extends for a period sufficient to cause considerable suffering or death.” She was initially charged with 10 counts of first-degree animal cruelty and one count of second-degree animal cruelty, but additional charges are possible.

If convicted, Naomi Harrison faces 11 counts of animal cruelty and up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine per first-degree count, as well as a permanent ban on owning or caring for animals. She was arraigned on November 10, 2025. The next hearing is an Omnibus Hearing on February 18 at 1:30 p.m. P.S.T.

Surviving cats credit Tacoma/Pierce Humane Society

Dozens of cats were trapped in darkness, surrounded by filth, starving, dehydrated, and slowly suffering with no escape. Ten of them never made it out alive. This was not an accidental oversight, it was prolonged neglect that caused immense pain, fear, and death. Naomi Erma Harrison must be held fully accountable for every single charge stemming from this incident. We need your signature to ensure that the suffering these cats endured is taken seriously by the justice system.

Decision Maker: Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Burke Findley

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We demand that Naomi Erma Harrison be convicted on all 11 counts of animal cruelty and receive the maximum sentence, including up to five years in prison. Dozens of cats suffered horrific neglect and cruelty. This level of abuse cannot be minimized or excused.We also demand that Harrison be permanently banned from owning or living with animals. Someone capable of this cruelty poses a continued danger.When extreme abuse is not met with the strongest consequences, it tells abusers they can get away with it. These cats deserve justice. 

Note: The surviving cats were transported to the Humane Society for Tacoma/Pierce County. Many required emergency treatment and one cat had to be humanely euthanized. 

This petition is based on information from police and public officials. Details may change as investigations continue. If charges are modified, dropped, or expunged, Animal Victory will update upon verified documentation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Some images are illustrative when real photos are unavailable, restricted, or cannot be legally used. Our priority is accuracy, responsibility, and protecting the dignity of the animals involved. Animal Victory may reference and link to third-party news sources for informational purposes. All third-party content remains the property of its respective owners.

News

King 5 News

Fox 13

Fox 13 (Video)

Update 2/18/2026: Defendant Naomi Harrison has a jury trial scheduled for 02/26/2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Update 2/5/2026: Naomi Erma Harrison was arraigned on November 10, 2025. Next hearing scheduled on 02/18/2026 at 1:30 p.m. P.S.T. It is an Omnibus Hearing.

Omnibus hearings can influence:

what evidence is admissible
• whether charges proceed as filed
• whether plea negotiations begin
• how strong the prosecution’s case remains

This stage can shape how seriously a case moves forward.