In a break-in that has left San Bernardino's pet community shaken, a total of 25 dogs were freed from the confines of the local animal shelter. The intrusion, detected early Wednesday morning, was carried out by an individual who managed to disable multiple kennel locks using bolt cutters, as relayed by the San Bernardino City Department of Animal Services and confirmed through CCTV footage, showing a hooded figure departing with a canine entourage in tow.
San Bernardino's Department of Animal Services has been tirelessly working to recover the dogs who, for a time, roamed without walls to bound them. As of now, the shelter's staff and local authorities have managed to reunite all but one of the dogs with the safety of the shelter. The exception, a cream-colored Chihuahua affectionately named Louise, remains at large – her whereabouts a concern that plagues the hearts of the shelter's caregivers. In a statement obtained by the Los Angeles Times, Kristine Watson, the Director of San Bernardino's animal services, said, "We are shocked by this event. The safety and well-being of the animals in our care are our top priority, and this action put many of our dogs in danger."
Despite the chaos, four of the dogs didn’t wander far, after they were discovered in a dumpster proximate to the shelter. These dogs have received a clean bill of health and will soon be ready to find new homes, as a CBS News report has noted. Meanwhile, the authorities have detained a person of interest in relation to the break-in, although they have been arrested on charges unrelated to the incident. Further details about the suspect have not been disclosed.
As the search for Louise continues, the shelter urges anyone with information about the missing Chihuahua to step forward. Louise is not just a pet, she's a part of someone's family waiting to happen – spayed, microchipped, and ready for a new start. The shelter's contact is (909) 998-4000 for tips that could lead to her safe recovery. "We urge anyone with information about the whereabouts of Louise to contact us," Watson emphasized in an interview with CBS News.
The San Bernardino Animal Shelter balances on a pivot of hope and apprehension, housing over 300 four-legged souls and always looking for adopters, foster homes, and donations. Even amidst the turmoil, the community's support has surged – a poignant reminder of the bond between the city's residents and its most vulnerable companions. "There are so many amazing animals at the shelter, we hope this will inspire area residents to visit our shelter to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate," Watson told CBS News.
