Vandals hit Central Arkansas SPCA

GUY, AR - Vandals hit the Central Arkansas SPCA not once, but twice, nearly destroying the new facility. The damage will set back the shelter's Grand Opening by several months.

Volunteers arrived to put the finishing touches on the building Monday only to find the door kicked in, and the walls spray painted. Vandals ripped out the wiring and took a sledge hammer to the cabinets and kennels. This is the second time this has happened.

Steve Martin with the Central Arkansas SPCA says the first time it happened back in December. "Right when we first poured the slab, someone busted all the plumbing. Someone doesn't want us here."

Last time the damages totaled nearly $15,000. An insurance adjuster will come out Wednesday to inspect this round of damage.

Martin says a structural engineer came out already and dubbed the building unsafe. He says it's devastating to see all the hard work destroyed, especially since the shelter will help the community. "Now we need help. There's a lot insurance doesn't cover. We're going to need security on the property now."

Martin says the Central Arkansas SPCA gets 4 to 5 calls a day from people with animals in need. "What's happening now is they're being neglected and starved and they're dying on the side of the road."

Martin hopes someone will come forward and help the group rebuild, or help the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office find the vandals who did this. "This is the one thing that could help the whole county and surrounding neighborhoods. It's a plus for everyone."

While the Grand Opening may be pushed back, the group hasn't lost hope. "It's a minor setback, but we're going to continue to go on."

Detectives sent DNA found on hammers to the crime lab for testing. The Central Arkansas SPCA is offering a $5,000 reward leading to an arrest in this case.