After Break-in, Humane Society of Pinellas Needs Assistance to Upgrade Security

CLEARWATER -- Twila Cole admits her work isn't work. The spokesperson for the Humane Society of Pinellas has perks at her job few have.

“I have the best break room in the country,” Cole said with a smile.

That break room is full of what Cole calls “little rays of sunshine” that she can cuddle with at will.

She has no shortage of cuddle objects. From too-cute puppies always ready to lick her face to kittens which begin purring the instant they are in Cole's arms, to rabbits, guinea pigs, perhaps a rat and an occasional bird, the complex, located near the intersection of State Road 590 and McMullen Booth Road, is an animal lover's heaven.

But that little slice of paradise was shattered last weekend when vandals broke in and burglarized the place, going from building to building looking for loot.

“It was horrible, when the phone call [came] in, it was like getting punched in the gut,” Cole said.

Though none of the center's 200 animals were injured or stolen, and just petty cash was taken, it was, as Cole describes it, as a wake-up call.

"We're glad all the animals were here and none were hurt,” Cole said. “But this opened our eyes to how insecure our property really is. It definitely brought awareness to how insecure we really are.”

It is clear the center needs a better security system, Cole said – security cameras and perhaps, keypad entries to each building. But that costs money, money the Humane Society of Pinellas does not have.

“We're a non-profit,” Cole said. “We raise all our own money.”

But help may not far away. Cole said damages the vandals did to the complex are well over $1,000, and there have been some offers from the community to help. The burglars smashed seven doors and kicked out the door frames to five thresholds. Those, among other items, will need to be replaced.

Two cash registers were also pilfered.

Already Cole said the center had an offer from a carpenter to give estimates and replace some damaged doors. Another volunteer had a security company give a quote to properly update the current security system of the center.

Among the items that were damaged were several donation boxes spread throughout the complex and 25 donation boxes that were ready to be distributed to various businesses within the county.

“We put seed money in them,” Cole said. She added that in many cases, the burglars smashed the donation boxes just to get a single dollar bill. The donation boxes are $12 each and 25 were destroyed, “a whole supply” as Cole described.

As a result, repairing the damage to the center along with replaced destroyed items, the Humane Society of Pinellas barely has the funds and is seeking assistance to repair and replace items, and of course install a state-of-the-art security system.

Those that can volunteer their time are welcome. Those that can offer financial assistance, Cole suggested using the center's secure website that offers three options for donations. Mail donations are also welcome.

“We are so grateful,” Cole said of the weekend incident. “It could have been worse. Property can be replaced.”