Pet rescue group’s vehicles vandalized

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This article was published 16/08/2022 (1338 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Vandals have hampered an animal organization’s rescue efforts by smashing windows in two of its vehicles.

Dash cameras in a passenger van and cargo van operated by Manitoba Underdog Rescue recorded the incidents early Sunday.

“We’re out there trying to help and we’re volunteers. To have that happen was really low. It felt really bad,” a spokesperson said.

The incident happened early Sunday morning after volunteers had returned from a remote Manitoba community, where they picked up dogs to be spayed and neutered in the city.

The vehicles were damaged before the 15 dogs could be returned to their owners.

“These dogs come from their own homes into the city with us. Doing those trips with two vehicles that don’t have windows makes it more difficult. There have been some delays in trying to get them fixed and find a temporary solution for things,” the spokesperson said.

Efforts were made to install temporary covers for the windows, but they didn’t hold up to the wind while driving.

“It throws a damper on things when we’re trying to help. It’s something our organization doesn’t need right now.”

Manitoba Underdogs Rescue is a registered charity and aims to rescue, rehabilitate, care for and seek permanent and loving homes for unwanted animals. As a non-profit, it relies on the support of donations and the help of volunteers.

The organization said finances are tight coming out of the pandemic and with the price of gas.

It has made claims with Manitoba Public Insurance to get the windows repaired. But until the vehicles are fixed, the group’s response to calls may be delayed.

The organization has reported the incident to the Winnipeg Police Service.

The organization accepts donations on its website, manitobaunderdogs.org.

bryce.hunt@freepress.mb.ca