Theft and vandalism hit
Big Isle humane society
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii >> Officials on the Big Island were investigating the vandalism and burglary of the Hawaii Island Humane Society shelter in Kailua-Kona.
At least one suspect broke into the shelter and stole cash, destroyed computers and office equipment, ransacked desks and unlocked animals from their cages, Humane Society officials said. A couple of dogs began fighting and at least one dog was seriously hurt.
"I feel disgusted," Humane Society spokeswoman Franny Kinslow said. "I don't know what they think they were accomplishing. This is a nonprofit organization, and a lot of the things that were ruined were donated to us. We don't have a lot of money."
Animal control officers discovered dogs running loose when they showed up for work Friday morning. The break-in occurred sometime between 7 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday.
Besides a few hundred dollars, other items stolen were a camera, a locked safe, two county animal control officer badges and uniforms.
"I'm a bit worried about those," Kinslow said. "I'm not sure if someone wants to impersonate an officer."
The culprit or culprits did leave behind a note blaming the Humane Society "for taken (sic) my dog."
While humane society workers are sometimes threatened by people when animals are impounded, Kinslow said there is no specific case that stands out that would have caused someone to react in such a way.
"This was totally uncalled for," she said.
As of yesterday, no suspects have been connected to the break-in.