Toronto Humane Society searching for answers after staff say rescue van stolen overnight
Posted November 29, 2022 6:33 pm.
Last Updated November 30, 2022 6:23 pm.
Staff at the Toronto Humane Society say they’re shaken after two people allegedly stole the animal shelter’s rescue van and other items deemed critical to life-saving measures.
In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, Toronto Humane Society staff said the theft happened on Monday, noting that a report was filed with Toronto police. They said officers attended the facility earlier in the day.
“Today is ‘Giving Tuesday.’ A day to reflect and give back after all the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Today, we should have woken up looking forward to what the day would bring,” said Hannah Sotropa, a spokesperson with the Toronto Humane Society, who confirmed none of the animals at the shelter were harmed.
“Instead, we woke up sad, confused, and above all heartbroken.”
Surveillance footage released by the Toronto Humane Society appeared to capture two men who allegedly broke into the facility and stole the rescue vehicle,
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The van was described as “more than just a van” as it was “a rescue tool, a mobile lifeline that has carried hundreds of animals to safety.”
“It was recently there at Toronto’s airport, waiting for a tiny puppy with a broken leg and a senior dog with medical complications,” Sotropa added.
“A loss this size for a charity, which relies on people’s goodwill and generosity, is significant.”
Toronto Humane Society staff said “asking for help feels strange because of the intensity of emotions” stemming from the theft, but acknowledged that replacing the stolen van is integral.
“You, our community, have stuck with us before,” Sotropa said.
“You have carried us through every challenge, every curveball. We hope to spread this message far and wide today so more animals can be rescued tomorrow.”
The shelter is accepting donations here.
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