Thieves hit Humane Society shelter
Gulf Coast Humane Society staff were shocked to find one of the Arcadia Street entry gates broken off the track and open Monday morning. Inside the administration building, a locked door had been kicked in to gain entry to a conference room containing over $7,000 in brand new computer equipment and other supplies for the new low-cost public veterinary clinic scheduled to open in March. Fort Myers Police Department was contacted immediately and the investigation remains open.
No animals were harmed as a result of the burglary and all animals have been accounted for.
Delivered to the facility on Friday, the stolen items included a new computer server for the entire facility, two new computers, three computer monitors, and two medical supply storage cabinets. All of these items are necessary to finalize completion of the new low-cost veterinary clinic and this incident has delayed installation of hardware, training of staff, and the availability of services to the community. GCHS administration had specifically allocated funds to pay for these items and was informed Monday that insurance will not cover the loss of this equipment.
Gulf Coast Humane Society must now invest tens of thousands of dollars in replacing the stolen equipment, upgrading outdated security systems, and repairing aging perimeter gates and fences in an effort to protect the animals and other assets.
GCHS administration estimates the actual theft-related expenses to surpass $58,000 in the next couple of months.
The shelter hopes to attain donated security system improvements, much-needed gate and fence repairs, and assistance in replacing the new computer equipment and medical storage cabinets. To donate your professional services or equipment, please call (239) 332-0364 or e-mail aimeelalonde@yahoo.com.
If you have any information pertaining to this theft, Gulf Coast Humane Society asks you to please contact the Fort Myers Police Department at (239) 334-4155.
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