VANDALS smashed the windows of a van rescuing stray dogs in Huddersfield.
Charitable dog-lovers had pulled up outside the Marina Kennels in Deighton to go and rescue a dog they feared would be put down.
But the driver returned to his van at Peace Pit Lane to find the windows smashed.
It means staff at the charity Doris Banham Dog Rescue, who take around 1,000 dogs a year from the Huddersfield kennels, may soon be unable to collect the dogs.
The van, with five damaged windows, is seen to be uneconomical to repair, prompting an appeal on the charity’s website for a replacement.
Chris Whippey, rehoming officer for the national charity, said: “We are a small charity that rehomes dogs which could otherwise be put to sleep by the local authority.
“The driver had gone into the pound to sort out the paperwork and by the time he returned the van’s windows had all been smashed.
“They also tried to get the CD player out and stole a load of dog leads we had in the van. Why anyone would steal from a charity I don’t know.
“We are now having to find the money for a new van, otherwise we won’t be able to collect any more dogs.”
Last year the national charity removed 2,223 stray dogs from kennels and saved many of them from certain death. Almost 1,000 of those came from Marina Kennels, which rescues dogs across West Yorkshire.
Mr Whippey said: “We are called to the Marina Kennels about once a week, so we visit quite a lot and nothing like this has ever happened before.
“We have been fortunate to borrow a van off another charity for the time being, but that has to go back and then we will be without transport.
“The concern is if we can’t get the van there, the likelihood is some of the dogs may die.
“These are dogs which will be put to sleep if no-one is willing to take them.”
Volunteers at the charity are now trying to raise as much as they can to buy a new van.
To help, donate or for more information visit www.dogsos.co.uk
