Two dogs were found dead along a Kauai highway following an early morning break-in at the Kauai Humane Society.

A 16-year-old dog named Kalohi suffered puncture wounds during the animal shelter break-in. Courtesy: Kauai Humane Society/2022

An employee arrived at the animal shelter at 5 a.m. Sunday to find all of the kennel doors open. There were 20 dogs running loose in the parking lot and another 55 dogs roaming freely or hiding indoors.

All of the dogs have been accounted for, including two animals that died after being struck by cars on Kaumualii Highway.

A spokesperson for the shelter said the suspect shattered a window to enter the facility.

Some dogs suffered minor injuries. A 16-year-old miniature Pinscher named Kalohi was found with puncture wounds. Surrendered to the shelter last month, the senior dog is recovering and remains available for adoption, according to a press release.

KHS Executive Director Nicole Schafer Crane said in a prepared statement that the shelter was ill-prepared for such an “unimaginable” crime.

The shelter has hired a temporary security guard to patrol the facility. It’s also considering upgrades to its security system, which was not triggered during the event.

Nothing was stolen from the shelter during the break-in, according to a press release.

KHS board members are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the suspects. Anyone with information about the crime can report tips to the Kauai Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-241-1711.

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