Over 100 cats rescued from delmar sanctuary littered with skeletal remains

Wicomico County Sheriff says dozens of animals found outdoors in freezing weather, skeletal remains recovered

DELMAR, MD – More than 100 cats were rescued and multiple deceased animals were discovered after law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a property in the 32000 block of Landing Lane in Delmar on February 25, according to a statement today from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office. That block is home to the Good Sheppard Cat Sanctuary, according to public records.

Police confirmed this morning that the investigation was at the sanctuary and a press conference on the matter is scheduled for Monday morning.

Key Points

Investigators recovered over 100 cats in various states of health from a Delmar property.
Multiple deceased cats and skeletal remains were found amid freezing weather and unsanitary conditions.
The ongoing investigation involves the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Humane World for Animals, and several animal control units.

Investigation into suspected cat sanctuary

Photo: over 100 cats rescued from delmar sanctuary littered with skeletal remains

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, working with agents from Humane World for Animals, the Wicomico County Humane Society, and Salisbury City Police Animal Control, launched the investigation after receiving reports in November 2025 of a suspected cat sanctuary where animals were being neglected and kept in inhumane conditions.

Authorities determined the property was believed to house several hundred cats. Based on gathered evidence, detectives obtained search and seizure warrants for the site.

Rescue operation and grim discovery

At approximately 7:00 a.m. on February 25, 2026, investigators executed the warrants under challenging winter conditions, including several inches of snow and subfreezing temperatures. Upon entry, officers found numerous cats outside, huddled together for warmth, while others were discovered in outbuildings described as hazardous and unsanitary.

Detectives also uncovered multiple deceased cats and skeletal remains scattered throughout the property.

Agents with Humane World for Animals removed more than 100 surviving cats, many in poor health. The animals were taken to an undisclosed Humane World facility for emergency veterinary care and evaluation.

Case remains under active investigation

Sheriff Mike A. Lewis said the investigation remains “active and ongoing” as detectives work to determine the full scope of the neglect and potential criminal charges. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this case or other animal cruelty incidents in the area to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 410-548-4891.

Callers may remain anonymous.

Tags: Wicomico County, animal cruelty, Delmar

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.