**SPCA Worker Injured in Attempt to Retrieve Escaped Animals After Shelter Break-In in Nelson**
By Tracy Neal, Open Justice Reporter
In a dramatic incident at the SPCA shelter in Nelson, New Zealand, a worker sustained injuries while attempting to recover animals that had been set free during a night-time raid. The incident occurred in February when a man, motivated by a dislike for animals being caged, broke into the facility and released numerous animals from their enclosures. Among those released was Boris the cat, who remains missing to this day.
Carmen Torrance, a dedicated feline attendant with two decades of experience at the SPCA, was among the staff who, along with police and local residents, spent hours searching for the missing animals. The break-in resulted in significant chaos, with every animal at the centre being released. Torrance was injured by one of the cats during the frantic efforts to retrieve the animals.
The police reported that the man responsible for the break-in had cut through a fence to gain access to the facility. He proceeded to release animals from crates and cages, including a Bullmastiff Rottweiler cross named Simba, who was considered a potential bite risk due to his fearfulness and lack of socialisation. The SPCA’s Nelson centre manager, Amy Sturkenboom, expressed concern about the risks posed during the incident, particularly by Simba. Fortunately, Simba was found approximately 36 hours later, coaxed back to safety by a canine attendant using treats.
The man responsible for the break-in was arrested and charged with burglary. However, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the Nelson District Court and was subsequently ordered to undergo inpatient psychiatric treatment. Through his lawyer, Mark Dollimore, the man conveyed that he believed he was acting out of kindness, motivated by a desire to free the animals.
The break-in was a distressing event for the SPCA team, volunteers, and the wider community. Sturkenboom described it as a challenging and emotional time, though she expressed relief that most of the animals were safely recovered. Torrance, who still bears scars from the incident, noted that while the situation was upsetting, they were grateful that none of the animals were killed, especially given the potential dangers posed by dogs and rabbits on the loose.
According to the police summary of facts, the man was captured on CCTV footage arriving at the SPCA in a van with false number plates just after 5pm on 16 February. He was seen cutting through a chain-link fence to access a quarantine compound before entering the kennels and releasing Simba, who ran onto Waimea Road, a busy thoroughfare in and out of Nelson City. The man then proceeded to open rabbit cages and cut holes in their enclosure before releasing three dogs—Cole, Zoe, and Frankie—from the main dog kennel area. He also entered the cat complex, where he opened animal food containers and released multiple kittens and the adult cat Boris.
Sturkenboom recounted that four kittens, who were being treated for Giardia, were released but later found hiding in a storage area. Boris the cat, however, remains missing after the overnight break-in.
The man was seen coaxing a black dog into his van later that night, but the dog escaped and returned to the SPCA compound. Hours later, he was observed walking to his van with a black dog, which jumped into the van before he drove off. In the early hours of the following morning, he returned to the compound, turning off his headlights as he entered. He left just after 6am, having released every animal, according to police reports.
Two days later, the man was found in his van with Frankie the dog, who was then taken to an after-hours vet. The man confessed to the police that his intention was to set the animals free, describing the experience as the best trip of his life.
The SPCA was fortunate to receive substantial support from the local community in the aftermath of the incident. Sturkenboom highlighted the collaborative effort in locating the animals, noting that all except Boris have since been adopted into loving homes. Simba’s adoption was finalised just this past weekend, marking a positive outcome after such a traumatic event.
Dollimore mentioned that his client was grateful for the support of his family during his mental health crisis.
This incident has sparked discussions about animal welfare and the responsibilities of those who care for animals. The New Zealand government is currently introducing regulations to penalise individuals who endanger the welfare of their dogs by leaving them tied up for extended periods. This move reflects a growing awareness and concern for animal welfare across the country.
The SPCA, which plays a crucial role in animal rescue and rehabilitation, has been facing increasing challenges, including physical and verbal threats against its staff. Despite these difficulties, the organisation remains committed to its mission of protecting and caring for animals in need.
As the search for Boris continues, the SPCA and the local community remain hopeful for his safe return. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible animal care and the impact of mental health issues on individuals and their actions.
