A non-profit animal rescue organization’s vehicle was stolen overnight Sunday.
Mackenzie deBoon, executive director of Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Foundation, which operates out of Klassic Kennels in Red Deer County, was set to bring kittens to the Petsmart Monday morning.
“She walked outside with the cats where her SUV was and realized there was broken glass on the ground where it was parked. She phones me and says, ‘Dad, I think someone stole my vehicle last night,’ ” said Jim deBoon, Klassic Kennels owner/operator and Mackenzie’s father.
Jim said it’s frustrating the vehicle was stolen.
“Mackenzie does all the transporting and stuff in that vehicle – taking animals to the vet and taking animals to different pet stores for adoption, that sort of thing. It was her personal vehicle, but it’s also the primary vehicle for Paws and Claws,” said Jim.
“There is a camera out front where it was parked, but it doesn’t catch that angle. Not that cameras matter, you hear about people doing this kind of thing in front of cameras all the time.”
The vehicle has been reported stolen and insurance has been notified.
In the meantime, Paws and Claws will borrow an animal control vehicle from Klassic Kennels.
Monday morning, Klassic Kennels published a Facebook post about the stolen SUV, asking people to “spread the word and report and sightings to the RCMP.” The post has more than 400 shares.
“We are humbled to enjoy a huge amount of support in central Alberta communities. We really appreciate everyone that shared (the Facebook post) and helps us out,” he said.
The vehicle is described as a 2011 white Ford Escape with the licence plate BXH 7541. It has a dent on the front left fender and a broken window.
Jim said the vehicle was spotted Monday on 44 Street at 11 a.m., according to a Facebook post from www.lightcatch.net.
No animals were in the vehicle when it was stolen.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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