© Provided by KTAB Abilene REWARD OFFERED: 9 dogs missing, 1 killed after overnight burglary at Abilene Animal Shelter
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) ― 10 dogs were released from the Abilene Animal Shelter overnight during a burglary, killing one. Rescue the Animals, SPCA is offering a reward for the arrest of this person who broke in.
The Abilene Police Department (APD) confirmed with KTAB/KRBC that at least one unknown person hopped a fence sometime overnight, Thursday into Friday, and gained access to the shelter. They then released 10 of the shelter’s 150 dogs.
This was reported around 7:00 Friday morning, when employees arrived to a major mess.
One dog was killed in what’s presumed to have been a fight among the dogs. Nine dogs remain missing.
Rescue the Animals, SPCA said it would give $500 to whoever could provide information that leads to the arrest of the person who broke in.
Paul Washburn, President of Rescue the Animals, SPCA released the following statement:
“This is a very serious incident. Past burglaries have occurred at the Shelter, but usually when someone wanted to take back a single dog that had been picked up by Animal Control.
“Our concern is that some of the missing dogs may have owners who are still looking for them as well as a concern that all of them may be in danger.”
APD, as well as some City of Abilene employees, were onsite to help clean up the damages Friday morning.
It was later revealed that the suspect also stole a shelter van, but it was discovered in North Abilene sometime later. KTAB/KRBC was also informed that several dogs are suspected to be injured.
Please report any information you may have on this burglary to the Abilene Police Department at (325) 673-8331.
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