‘We’re There’: Dartmouth SPCA Says Welcomes Those In Need After Theft – Halifax | The Canadian News

This week, the Dartmouth Humane Society received shocking news that someone had broken into their shed and taken pet food and beds.

“The Dartmouth Humane Society was mugged. Yes, unfortunately you read that right ”, the agency published on social networks.

Sandra Flemming, director of animal care at Nova Scotia SPCA, told Global News that a large number of dog treats, wet and dry food and dog beds were stolen nearly two weeks ago while staff were away for winter break.

She estimates a couple dozen boxes of wet food and 30-40 bags of dog food were stolen, in addition to “some looting at the scene.”

Despite being “heartbroken,” she says her response to the theft has been one of understanding.

“What we immediately came to was that obviously someone needed food,” Flemming said.

Flemming said staff members were surprised to see that the items were stolen because that storage shed has been in the same location for six years and there have never been any problems. Someone “jumping over the fence and into our space was something we didn’t expect,” he said.

Trend stories

• 

  Traveling during Omicron? Canadians Who Tested Positive for COVID-19 Abroad Call for Caution

• 

  Do you remember that mysterious moon cube? Scientists now know what it is

While he said the agency was disappointed to see this happen, the key message SPCA wants to send is that the charity can help people in need.

“We think that if people are doing something of this nature, they may be desperate for food,” he said.

“We know that there has been an increase in need in the last two years during COVID … We want to make sure the public knows that we are there.”

Flemming added that animals bring a great sense of comfort to people in difficult times, and the Humane Society does not want animals to give up. The agency already receives around 6,000 animals a year.

“People go through some bad times, they go through moments of calm in their life that they can’t pay for things,” he said.

“We want these animals to stay in homes with people who love them.”

The Dartmouth SPCA is advocating for donations to supplement stolen items.

Flemming said the animals in the agency’s care are fed a consistent diet and the shelter is limiting the number of visitors due to COVID-19, asking for financial donations rather than people arriving with food.

– with files from Callum Smith