Central Hawke's Bay SPCA staff are worried people are trying to steal animals for dog fighting.
The SPCA has been a target of three attempted break-ins with the latest occurring on Monday night. The volunteers arrived at the shelter the next morning to find the main gate had been hacked at. It was clear a crowbar had been used in an attempt to break the gate, but had been unsuccessful, manager Renee Hickey said.
Members of the shelter are worried by the attempted break-ins, after a puppy stolen from the Gore SPCA in Southland was used in dog fighting.
The puppy was returned with extensive bite wounds and in a state of shock.
It is getting harder for people to get dogs so SPCAs are becoming an easy target.
Most SPCAs don't have good security as they can't afford it, said Miss Hickey.
The Central Hawke's Bay District Council have lent the SPCA a security camera to try to deter break-ins.
The shelter has also decided to raise money to buy their own camera with Miss Hickey planning to set up a give-a-little Facebook page.
"We shouldn't have to use the money for the animals on trying to keep the premises secure."
Miss Hickey said it was sad the world was coming to this. "It has alerted us to be more aware."