Police and council band together to find puppies allegedly stolen from Alice Springs Animal Shelter

UPDATED: A number of allegedly stolen puppies have been returned to a Central Australian animal shelter, after the shelter was broken into over the weekend. DETAILS.

Alice Springs Town Council rangers Charlotte Bryers and Stacey Leddra with puppies Poppy and Loui at the Alice Springs Animal Shelter, September 2024. Picture: Alice Springs Town Council

September 9: A number of missing puppies have been found after a Red Centre animal shelter was broken into at the weekend, the council now running the shelter revealed.

Posting to Facebook, Alice Springs Town Council said four of the six puppies “believed to have been stolen” had been found – as well as one tabby cat missing since late August.

“We are still actively working with police to find the remaining two puppies to ensure their safe return,” the council said.

“The puppies are in good health with one taken to a local vet for a check-up.”

Northern Territory Police have located three out of the six missing puppies, allegedly stolen from the Alice Springs Animal Shelter in September 2024. Picture: Northern Territory Police

The puppies were allegedly stolen from the Alice Springs Animal Shelter on Saturday, September 7.

Northern Territory Police said they were still looking for an “unknown number of offenders” who allegedly committed the act.

Police allege the offenders got inside the shelter via a window after they cut open the mesh fence.

Police said the offenders fled before officers arrived, and “currently remain outstanding”.

They’re urging anyone with information to get in contact on 131 444.

Six puppies believed to be stolen from Alice Springs Animal Shelter, days after council takeover

September 7: Six puppies were reportedly stolen from the embattled Alice Springs Animal Shelter following the second break-in more than three weeks.

Alice Springs Town Council confirmed the animal shelter in Ilparpa was broken into on Friday evening, with the unknown perpetrators allegedly cutting open the dog enclosure.

On Saturday a Facebook post by the council said six puppies were missing, believed to be stolen.

“Thankfully all other animals are unharmed,” it said.

“This break in doesn’t just affect the facility, but it impacts our entire community that cares deeply for the shelter and the animals.

“Quite frankly, it’s senseless and unacceptable that anyone would target a place dedicated to the welfare of vulnerable animals.”

Alice Springs council said the matter had been referred to police.

The gates to the Alice Springs Animal Shelter which went into administration in July. Picture: Gera Kazakov

It comes just weeks after another incident in which the shelter had its padlocks broken, allowing the animals to leave their enclosures on Tuesday August 20.

Alice Springs Council confirmed no animals were harmed, but one tabby cat did manage to escape.

“Council has already bolstered security to prevent future incidents, and is investigating further security measures going forward,” a Facebook post said.

The council also hit back at false rumours which caused unnecessary distress following the first break-in, with anti-crime campaign Facebook group Action for Alice incorrectly claiming that some animals were “covered in blood”.

NT Police have been contacted for comment.

Alice Springs Town council ranger Charlotte Bryers and ranger manager Luke Allen. The Alice Springs Animal Shelter entered administration on July 16, with the Alice Springs Town Council taking over operations as of July 17, 2024, for the interim. Picture: Gera Kazakov.

The recent break-in occurred a week after the Alice Springs council took over the embattled shelter, which went into voluntary liquidation two months ago.

The shelter — formerly known as the RSPCA of Central Australia — officially closed on July 31 after months of hardship, including influxes of animals dumped at their door, and a parvovirus outbreak in July which resulted in three dogs and “several” cats being euthanised.

During the August 27 council meeting a confidential report over the Alice Spring Shelter Future Planning was tabled, which discussed the “legal and financial risks from liquidation” and flagged conversations with “liquidators around adoptions”.

Following the meeting the council announced it had resolved to take on the functions of the shelter “to make sure the animals receive the care and attention they need”.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission reported the Alice Springs Animal Shelter charity cost $466,800 to run last year, which will now largely be borne by ratepayers again.

Originally published as Police and council band together to find puppies allegedly stolen from Alice Springs Animal Shelter