Dog centre broken into three times

Dec 27 2012

A dog rescue centre has been forced to close to the public because of three break-ins since Christmas Day.

Some of the 90 dogs have been left "distressed and terrified" while computers and personal items have been stolen from the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire.

On Christmas Day staff arrived at the centre to check on the dogs and found it broken into. While there, one of the dogs, a three-year-old Jack Russell called Josie, gave birth to seven pups.

The centre was broken into again on Christmas night once staff left and again on Boxing Day, when it was vandalised.

Manager Sandra Lawton wanted to keep the centre open after the first two break-ins but has been told by Strathclyde Police to close while they investigate.

"My team and I are heartbroken. Some of our dogs nearest to the areas of the break-ins are now showing signs of distress and were clearly terrified by the intruders," she said.

"In time and with help we will be able to clear up the centre but our priority is ensuring our dogs feel settled and calm again. We try and make sure the dogs have the best possible Christmas whilst they are with us, but this year some truly evil people have made this impossible."

The charity hopes to reopen the centre on January 3 and it is urging anyone with information about the break-ins to pass it on to police.

Inspector John Gormlie said: "We are continuing extensive enquiries into the three incidents of housebreaking at the Dog's Trust in Uddingston, and as part of this we are working very closely with the management of the centre to provide security and crime prevention advice.

"We believe that all three incidents are linked and I would urge anyone who has information on those responsible for these despicable crimes against the charity to get in touch with police on 0141 532 4800."