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Break-In Shuts Maricopa County Animal Shelter’s West Facility After Intruder Falls Through Ceiling

Deputies say the man sought shelter in the building before being booked on felony charges.

Overview

  • Staff arriving around 5 a.m. found the director’s office window shattered and a blood trail inside.
  • Investigators recovered a large river rock believed to have been used to smash the window.
  • The shelter closed to allow evidence processing, halting kennel work and canceling a planned adoption event.
  • No injuries to animals or employees were reported, though operations moved into lockdown during the response.
  • Shelter leaders cited recent online hostility and a September arrest over threats as heightening staff safety concerns.