Doggone It

Someone stole cash and caused damage to one of Santa Fe's favorite nonprofits late Wednesday or early this morning.

Investigators with the county sheriff's department are looking for information about the break-in at the Santa Fe Human Society and Animal Shelter on Caja del Rio Road, and shelter officials say they are increasing security measures as a result.

Workers arrived today to find an adoption center window broken and damage to several cash drawers and a donation box, according to a press release. Areas where dogs and cats are sheltered remained secured.

Dylan Moore, the shelter's director of adoptions, says shelter workers are reviewing security-camera footage in an attempt to identify those involved. An employee lives on the facility's campus, but that person didn't report anything unusual or hear any vehicles, according the the release.

"We're so thankful that our animals are safe and sound," Moore says. "While it's unfortunate someone would consider stealing from a nonprofit that needs every cent it raises for the care of homeless animals, we're grateful that the damage is minimal and that everyone is accounted for."

The shelter has a locked gate at its entrance, but it appears the person jumped over or cut through a low section of the fence. That is being repaired and reinforced, he said.

Sheriff's department spokesman Juan Rios says detectives are on the case, reported as a theft of about $200.

"We'll see if we can identify any suspects," Rios tells SFR, noting, "it's a common burglary that we see over time."

Moore estimates the costs of repairing the window and the damaged cash boxes could exceed $3,000.

Those who have information about the break-in are asked to call investigators at the sheriff's office at 986-2490.

Santa Fe Reporter