The La Plata County Humane Society has ceased several operations as a result of vandalism over the weekend where an unknown vandal smashed the windshields of six vehicles, rendering them useless for the time being.
“It’s kind of crippled us at the moment,” said Chris Nelson, director of animal operations. “Every vehicle is undriveable now.”
Both delivery vans crucial to thrift store operations were hit, as well as one of the reserve animal-protection trucks. A shelter truck, used for educational programs and the transfer of animals, is temporarily out of service. The Humane Society’s snowplow truck and an employee’s vehicle were also damaged.
Until the Humane Society can get the vehicles fixed, it can no longer pick up donations from individuals, and a clinic that would have trapped and neutered feral cats has been canceled.
“A lot of times folks donate furniture to the thrift store where proceeds go to the animals, and they want us to pick those things up,” Nelson said. “If anybody is thinking of doing that, we’re unable to do so for at least a week or so. Maybe longer.”
According to Sgt. William Sweetwood of the Durango Police Department, around 2:15 a.m. Saturday an alarm went off at the thrift store at 1111 South Camino del Rio. Officers arrived to find the windows of six vehicles, as well as two windows in the warehouse, smashed.
Sweetwood said there are no suspects at this time, and no individuals were captured on video surveillance. Some rocks that were used to smash the windows were collected, and DPD will continue to investigate further video images, prints and possibly DNA.
Nelson said he couldn’t think of anyone who would have it out for the Humane Society.
“The Human Society frequently has folks upset with things that happen,” he said. “Not too long ago we denied an adoption, and he got pretty violent. Coincidentally he started smashing his hands on the window, and police had to come and remove him. Those types of things aren’t common occurrences, but they certainly do happen occasionally.”
Nelson said the Humane Society is setting up a reward for the capture and conviction of anyone involved in the crime. The fund is up to about $200, and he’s hoping more people will donate.
Nelson was going through insurance, so he wasn’t sure the total cost of damages. He estimated it will run several thousand dollars. If the suspect isn’t caught, all the money donated will be redirected to the Humane Society’s emergency medical fund. Nelson encouraged individuals interested in donating to call him at the shelter.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
