A man in Abilene, Texas broke into a shelter this weekend and released over 150 dogs, resulting in the death of one and multiple injuries to others.
The City of Abilene Animal Services is still recovering lost dogs from the incident.
The Break In
According to a statement made on Facebook by the Abilene Police Department, the 38-year-old “climbed the fence that surrounds the building, entered into the building through the roof, and opened many of the cages to the canine side of the building.”
Officers believe the injuries and death resulted from fighting among the 150 dogs who were suddenly freed. Other dogs escaped the property completely. Shelter workers recovered most of the escaped pups, but five remain unfound at this time. The missing five are pictured below.
The man also stole a van belonging to the shelter. Authorities later recovered the vehicle and arrested the man involved. Police charged the 38-year-old with breaking and entering, animal cruelty, and theft of a motor vehicle.
According to police, there is “damage to the inside of the building’s office area and other parts of the building including the roof where the perpetrator entered the building.”
How to Help
Although most of the dogs were recovered, several pups require veterinary care for their injuries. Additionally, the City of Abilene Animal Services building needs repairs.
Local nonprofit All Kind Animal Initiative is working alongside the shelter to it back on its feet. If you’d like to donate to their efforts, click here.
If you have any information about the five missing pups, contact the City of Abilene Animal Services.
