A Somerset-based animal rescue charity is reeling after a break-in led to the escape of several rescued cats, according to the organization’s founder.
Judy Knowles, 71, who runs Compassion for Cats in Oakhill near Shepton Mallet, expressed her disbelief at what she described as a “mindless action” by the burglars. The charity, which has been dedicated to rehoming cats for three years, discovered the break-in early Monday morning, with eight cats still unaccounted for.
“We are just all in total shock that someone could even do this,” Ms. Knowles said.
Upon arriving at the site at 05:45 BST to begin her routine of feeding the approximately 100 cats under her care, Ms. Knowles was immediately alarmed when she saw one of the cats, which should have been secured in a pen, freely roaming the room.
“My eyes could hardly believe it,” she recounted.
Further inspection revealed that multiple locks on the cat pens had been broken, and the doors were left ajar, allowing the cats to escape. Ms. Knowles noted that some of the older cats appeared to have been disturbed, possibly even chased, leaving a few in a state of distress.
“All the doors were open, and there were cats everywhere with the locks destroyed,” she explained. “A few of them are very distressed, and eight cats are still missing. I really hope they come back. I really don’t know why someone would do this as nothing was stolen.”
The incident has been reported to Avon and Somerset Police. In a statement, the police confirmed receiving the report of a “non-dwelling burglary” at the rescue center, believed to have occurred overnight.
“We understand entry was forced to the premises, and a number of cats were reported missing this morning,” the police stated, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Volunteers have since joined Ms. Knowles in searching for the missing cats, hoping for their safe return.
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