UNIONTOWN, Pa. — It’s a cold-hearted crime that’s got humane officers in Fayette County hot under the collar.
Investigators are searching for the individuals who stole 275 gallons of heating oil from the Fayette County Humane Society shelter over the weekend.
“I’m so frustrated. I don’t why people do this to innocent animals,” says humane officer Theresa Linden.
The suspects gained entry some time over the holiday weekend by breaking a lock to a small door that leads to the heating tank in the basement.
The culprits siphoned about $500 worth of oil, which was supposed to last at least through March.
“We have to keep it at 65 to pass inspection,” says Linden who had to move about 30 cats and dogs to the rear of the building from another room that registered just 50 degrees.
The shelter is funded primarily through donations.
Linden tells Channel 11 News, “Half the animals have no heat right now. I don’t know what we’re going to do.”
On Wednesday, White’s Tavern in Uniontown donated 100 gallons of oil to the shelter.
Animals had to be moved to stay warm.
Police have no suspects.