By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Humane Society president Kim Aranha issued an appeal for private sector and public donations after the charity was damaged during a robbery early Wednesday morning.

Speaking to Tribune Business, Ms Aranha said shortly before 1am, intruders scaled a wall, navigated through a paddock of dogs, entered the building and stole several thousand dollars from the administrative office.

Highlighting that the Humane Society only receives $150,000 annually from the government but runs on a $1.5m budget, Ms Aranha said it is “disgusting” that thieves would target the charitable donations the organisation has worked so hard to raise.

“It’s just so disgusting that people would come in and steal from a charity. We worked so hard to raise the money that we raise. We get $150,000 from government, and it costs us close to $1.5m a year to run the shelter,” said Ms Aranha.

“It’s so depressing. Just the thought that these guys would come and break into any charity. Charities are where people try and help the helpless that is so disgusting that they would do that. It just demonstrates how far we are falling as a society.”

She said while operations at the Humane Society have continued as usual donations from the public would assist in repairing the damages and installing additional security measures around the building.

“We can’t stop. We have to keep feeding the animals. But losing money, and having to pay for the repairs, the door, window and all the damage is pricey,” said Ms Aranha.

“We’re also going to have to heighten security and that’s going to cost us as well. We need to install more cameras, door sensors and possibly put broken glass or spikes on the wall so they can’t just jump over.”