The thieves fled with a new generator and damaged the ignition system. The ambulance came back, but I couldn't use it.
EDMONDS, Wash. — A nonprofit mobile animal clinic was stolen and recovered by Thursday afternoon, but the damage is extensive and is impacting pets and families in need.
Seattle Veterinary Outreach directors said the ambulance was stolen around 7 a.m. Thursday morning. The organization conducts all pet clinic operations entirely within its facilities.
“It took about five minutes to get into the ambulance and another five minutes to start it up and take off,” said Christy Roe, the board member who discovered the ambulance had been stolen. “This is more than just a vehicle. This is truly a mobile clinic,” Roe said.
This nonprofit cares for the pets of homeless and low-income people. We can also connect pet owners who need social services.
“You're going to have people with open wounds. They're not going to take care of themselves, but they're going to bring in a pet and dote on it and put all their money into the animal,” said board member Rose. Simotiuk said. Chairman of Seattle Veterinary Outreach.
The group has cared for thousands of pets in its five years of operation. Typically, he takes in 50 to 60 pets a week.
“This is truly devastating,” Simoliuk said. “People drive from all over the state and line up hours in advance just to take care of an animal.”
By Thursday afternoon, the group received word from Everett Police that the ambulance had been recovered. The windows were broken and the interior was ransacked.
“All of our medications and medical equipment are gone,” said Rachel Raji, executive director of Seattle Veterinary Outreach.
The thieves fled with a new generator and damaged the ignition system. The ambulance came back, but I couldn't use it.
“There is a huge need for flea control and parasite control in this area, so we just recently received a grant and spent about $20,000 on medication,” Large said.
The group was preparing to hold a clinic tomorrow in Everett, one of the largest and only clinics in Snohomish County. The clinic is currently canceled.
“We'll get there, we'll get back there, and we'll just get through today,” Raj said.
The nonprofit organization is primarily funded by donations and grants.
