A shocking break-in at the PAWS shelter on Greenock Street in Moncton.

It happened on Friday, at around 3 am, when an individual broke in through a vent in the back of the building.

Executive Director Heather Smith says they tore the vent out and climbed through.

“We haven’t found anything missing. No animals were harmed or interfered with in any way. They were only in the building a short time, so the security system was triggered and the RCMP responded, but the individual had left the building before the RCMP arrived,” Smith says.

She adds that it is pretty discouraging because they are there to help pets and people with their pets, so to be targeted is very upsetting.

“Black and McDonald have already been out and done repairs to the damage at the back of the building, but even though nothing significant was taken, it’s still time and money to make those repairs,” Smith stressed.

It’s not something that often happens at the shelter, but a few years ago, a rock was thrown through the front door of the shelter.  Nothing was taken in that incident either.

RCMP were notified, and the shelter put up a social media post with a photo from security footage. Over 100 comments have already been made, some of them with potential leads on who the individual might be.

All of the information has been shared with the RCMP.

As to what PAWS will do next, Smith says they already have a security camera, but they’ll be reviewing the steps they have in place when something like this happens.

If someone has information, they can contact the RCMP directly,” Smith says.

If you’re looking for ways to support the animal shelter, they are always looking for donations of items like bleach, laundry soap, dish soap, toys and food.

“We also have the PAWS Walk coming up on September 7th at 2 pm in Centennial Park. You can choose between a one-kilometre or three-kilometre walk, or donate,” Smith said.