CLEAR LAKE – A Clear Lake animal shelter reported a theft of $700.00 Saturday.
According to Debbie Kern, the Secretary/Treasurer of the board for the organization, the money was adoption money that was kept in a bag under the front desk and was taken at some point Saturday when no one was at the front desk.
Kern called the theft “very sad and very disturbing,” and said “I never thought I would see the day when someone would steal from animals. We know who was in here today – we know who watches this site (the organization’s Facebook page) – I have a very good idea who it was – so I am sure you won’t return it so I hope that you really needed it more than the dogs did. Very sad.”
In describing how the theft may have occurred, Kern wrote on the organization’s Facebook page that “we were very busy today and had one point in time where no one was sitting at the front desk. Under the desk we keep the bank bag that we keep the adoption money in until we can make a bank deposit. During that brief time a cash bag with $700.00 in adoption fees (cash) was stolen. Whoever the individual is that would do this obviously has no love for animals and it takes someone VERY low to do this.”
Kern offered to take responsibility for the missing funds.
“Since it was my day at the desk I will personally replace the stolen funds but it is very sad that we can’t trust anyone in our office from here forward. Based upon the lack of available board members to man the desk 100% of the day (we all pull double duty around here – we take care of showing dogs, doing paperwork, answering questions, etc.) it will slow things down around here if we have to have someone “guard” the cash bag with adoption money in it.
“As I said, as Secretary/Treasurer of the board it was my responsibility and I will replace it but it is a shame that someone would do this. Shame on that person! So many work so hard to make life better for the dogs and then this happens. So disappointed.”
Patriots for Pets helps save dogs and cats which have ended up homeless, and says “We are a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) formed in the State of Iowa. Our purpose for existing is to help homeless dogs and cats find their forever homes.”
A call the the Clear Lake Police Department regarding the matter was answered, and an officer said they were looking into the incident and would call NIT later with more information.
Anyone with information should call the Clear Lake Police Department at (641) 357-2186.
