On August 25 at around 1am, the reception and consulting rooms at the Animal Anti-Cruelty League Johannesburg hospital were broken into for the second time in 48 hours and robbed of a total of five computers, a public service TV screen and other items with an estimated value of over R100 000.
The first break-in occurred Saturday night.
According to Carren Nickloes, marketing manager for the NPO, on both occasions the thieves entered the premises by breaking through the perimeter prefab wall and electric fence, gaining access through their security doors into the hospital reception.
“On both occasions, they moved to the hospital consulting rooms to take the computer equipment from each room.
“We were in the process of fixing the premises from the first break-in when they hit us for a second time. Apart from the equipment taken, the damage to the premises is extensive,” said Nickloes.
She has confirmed that a case of robbery was opened at the Moffat View Police Station on Sunday and Tuesday morning.
“To a non-profit welfare organisation such as ours, reliant entirely on the generosity and goodwill of the animal-loving public, it is tough enough trying to stretch our limited budget far enough to take care of ever-increasing animal welfare needs.
“As with many businesses and individuals at the moment, we have been hit hard by the reduced income due to the impact of Covid-19 on the organisation. We just cannot afford this type of setback on top of this.
“Now, more than ever, the community is calling on our veterinary services for their animals. Sadly, our clients and community are now being impacted as we have had to close our doors until we are able to replace equipment and can make the premises secure and safe for staff, clients and ultimately the animals.
“We acknowledge that the public is struggling financially, but if there is anyone who can assist us in any way, either monetary or otherwise, to help with our recovery from this unfortunate incident, we would be sincerely grateful,” explained Carren.
Donations can be made to:
Animal Anti-Cruelty League Johannesburg
FNB account: 50380046810
Branch code: 250655
Deposit reference: Break-in
For further information contact Carren on 011 435 0672 or at jhb@aacl-jhbnb.co.za
