Repeated Burglaries Strike Animal Shelter In North Bay

BAY AREA, CA — Four overnight burglaries have left the Humane Society of the North Bay with an estimated $20,000 in losses, missing surgical equipment, and frightened animals as the nonprofit struggles to cover their care.

At least one person has burglarized the Sonoma Boulevard shelter four times since Oct. 25, breaking into storage sheds and possibly staying in one overnight, staff told Bay City News.

The most recent break-ins occurred Monday and Tuesday nights.

No animals appeared to suffer physical harm, but board President Joseph Hayden said the nighttime intrusions clearly distressed them and left employees afraid to enter the property each morning.

“It's very unnerving to walk in, not knowing if the gate is even going to be open, wondering, ‘Is the person still here?’” Hayden told Bay City News.

The stolen items included a surgical table, an industrial wagon, a pop-up tent, and medical equipment intended for a spay-and-neuter clinic, Hayden told Bay City News.

Someone also apparently used hypodermic needles stored for the clinic and left them behind, he said. Staff suspect someone may have used injectable drugs inside a shed.

The burglaries damaged multiple locks and doors, and someone broke the front gate, leaving the shelter vulnerable to further intrusions.

One shed received a temporary repair with screws but remained insecure, animal care manager Jem Davis told KTVU. Replacing the damaged sheds will cost thousands of dollars, shelter officials told the station.

The shelter houses about 40 cats and 20 large dogs and supports an equal number of animals in foster homes. The independent nonprofit relies mostly on donations, Hayden said.

“We don't have any resources,” Hayden said. “To keep our lights on, we have to fundraise for most of the cost of medical care for the animals, many of which are brought to us emaciated and abused.”

The organization has not established a formal fundraising campaign but accepts donations through its website. It also seeks help from contractors, electricians, and security professionals to repair damage and strengthen security, according to KTVU.

Vallejo police have received notification of the burglaries, KTVU reported. Hayden said police had no leads on who was responsible.

Bay City News contributed to this report.
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