DETROIT (WWJ) -- Detroit Dog Rescue is asking for help after a break-in caused significant damage to the shelter's doors, windows and security system.
WWJ's Luke Sloan spoke to Kristina Millman-Rinaldi, the Executive Director at Detroit Dog Rescue, who said the break-in occurred early Wednesday morning at their east side location on Harper Ave.
The shelter's alarm system was triggered, and the incident initially registered as an electrical outage.
Assuming bad weather had knocked out the power, Millman-Rinaldi and other staff headed to the shelter to check on the dogs.
Instead of an outage, they found a devastating scene -- windows smashed, supplies thrown around, and crowbars left behind. The building's power had been cut, and outdoor fencing and roll-down doors were torn apart.
When asked why she thought Detroit Dog Rescue was targeted, Millman-Rinaldi said it was possible the suspect(s) had been looking to steal medication or supplies.
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"Unfortunately, we often find when shelters are broken into, that people are looking for veterinary drugs."
According to Millman-Rinaldi, drugs and supplies are rarely kept onsite and are brought to the shelter only on an as-needed basis.
Despite the extensive damage to the property, none of the dogs were taken or harmed.
According to Millman-Rinaldi, the staff found leashes that do not belong to Detroit Dog Rescue and that it seemed the perpetrator(s) had intended to take some of the dogs.
Due to the roll-down doors, however, they were not able to access the kennels.
"The important thing is, they didn't get our dogs," Millman-Rinaldi said. "Our dogs are safe."
Millman-Rinaldi was not able to comment on the police investigation into the break-in, except to say it is likely there was more than one person involved and that officers are reviewing security footage.
Detroit Dog Rescue is a no-kill shelter.
Anyone who would like to donate to Detroit Dog Rescue to help with repairs can do so on their website. The website also has a wish list of supplies that the shelter needs.
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