A woman was arrested after breaking into the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter early Wednesday morning and releasing 20 dogs.
Shelter staff reported that the woman cut the locks on the facility’s front gate and approximately 10 kennels around 3:30 a.m., allowing the dogs to escape.
“It appears that someone around 3:30 a.m. had cut the locks at the front gate of the facility and proceeded to cut the locks on about 10 of our kennels and releasing our dogs out into the street,” said Kristine Watson, director of animal services for the City of San Bernardino.
Later in the day, the same woman returned to the shelter and claimed to know the location of the missing dogs. Shelter staff questioned her about her involvement, and she confirmed she knew where the dogs were.
Police subsequently detained and arrested the woman. She then led staff to a dumpster a few blocks away, where 19 of the 20 released dogs were recovered. A Chihuahua named Louis remains missing.
The shelter is now increasing security measures. Staff also stated that some of the recovered dogs are in the process of being adopted.
Police have not released the identity of the arrested woman or disclosed her motive for the break-in.
