A Nelson pet shelter is “devastated” after a man broke into the building twice in one night and wreaked havoc, letting animals loose and cutting a fence open in an overnight raid.
SPCA Nelson-Marlborough said it was working
Nelson SPCA staff devastated, appeal for sightings after dogs, cat stolen in night raid
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The raids were captured on CCTV footage, Sturkenboom said.
One of the missing dogs, an 8-month-old tan Bullmastiff named Simba, was found after a tip from the public.
Police said the Nelson SPCA was broken into around 2.30am Monday, with the intruder damaging items, releasing animals from crates and cages and cutting a fence open.
Nelson Bays Area Commander Steve Collins told the Herald police were unsure whether the missing animals were stolen or wandered off.
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“Police have already attended the scene to assess for forensic evidence, reviewed CCTV footage and are following good lines of enquiry.”
SPCA staff and volunteers were left shaken by the events, Sturkenboom said.
“There have been many emotional moments as we work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animals.”
On social media, the SPCA identified the missing animals as Frankie, an 18-month-old black-and-white Labrador-collie hybrid male, and the cat as Boris, a 5-year-old domestic black male.
Frankie was described as “high energy and friendly”, while Boris was characterised as a amiable cat who “loves to chat”.
“If you have any information or have seen any of these animals, please get in touch with us right away. Your help is crucial in bringing them home safely.”
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