By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

Lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A BRAZEN early morning break-in at the Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) has left officials convinced the perpetrators were familiar with the property and its operations—as police continue the search for the suspects.

BHS president Kim Aranha said no animals or people were hurt during the break-in, but confirmed “several thousand” dollars in cash was stolen.

Expressing deep disappointment over the attack, Ms Aranha said: “I’m so upset that people would do it to a charity that there are no words for, for how poorly it reflects on our country and that we need to, we need to really look at this.”

“This is, this is just the the result of so many things that are going wrong right now.”

The break-in reportedly occurred around 1am on Wednesday.

According to Ms Aranha, two masked men climbed a perimeter wall, jumped into a paddock full of dogs, and walked through without disturbing the animals.

They then entered the back section of the main building—used for administration—where they broke into an office and stole several thousand dollars in cash.

One employee was present during the break-in but was not injured.

Photos shared with The Tribune show shattered glass, broken blinds, and scattered paperwork—evidence of the destruction left behind. Surveillance footage captured two slim-built men, both masked, moving through the compound before fleeing on foot.

Ms Aranha believes the burglary was planned by someone familiar with the property.

“I believe somebody who may have worked at the Humane Society at some point may have known where to go and how to do it,” she said, “because it seems to me that I wouldn’t want to jump over the wall into a, you know, four, six potcakes in the middle of the night and wake them up and scare them. It struck me that it had to be someone who really knew what they were doing.”

Police said no arrests have been made as investigations continue.

Ms Aranha said the crime has taken a heavy toll on the non-profit organisation, which relies on donations and community support.

She said operations have continued and will not stop in light of the incident.

“We have to keep feeding the animals, etc, but losing money, and having to pay for the door and having to pay for the window and having to pay for all the damage, of course, is pricey,” she said.

This is not the first time the BHS has suffered a break-in, Ms Aranha revealed, calling the experience “devastating” and appealing to the public for support.

She said the shelter has suffered a financial setback due to the cost of repairs and heightened security measures.

Plans include installing more cameras, door sensors, lighting, and possible deterrents such as spikes or broken glass along the perimeter walls.

“We’re devastated, we’re brokenhearted, and that anybody who wants to step forward and help us would be gratefully welcomed with open arms. We need more cameras. We need more sensors, we need more lights, and we would welcome any help anybody can give,” she said.

• People can make donations to the BHS at https://www.bahamashumane.org/donate/