Husky stolen from Animal Welfare League QLD found safe after break-in

Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) experienced an extremely distressing incident over the weekend when a nine-year-old Husky named Blaze was stolen during a break-in at the shelter on Saturday night.

The white Husky, who is part of a bonded pair with Maggie (a senior Border Collie), was taken from his kennel, leaving staff and volunteers deeply concerned for his safety.

Blaze was later found wandering alone around Harbour Town, visibly tired and dehydrated. A community member picked him up and brought him to AWLQ’s Gold Coast Community Veterinary Clinic for a thorough examination. He has since been reunited with Maggie and the pair are now back in the shelter together, waiting for their forever home.

AWLQ staff were shocked to discover the shelter’s premises had been broken into and extensive damage caused to multiple kennel fences. In addition to the theft of Blaze, the intruder(s) also attempted to access the puppy pens but was unsuccessful. The break-in resulted in thousands of dollars in damage.

“This incident has been highly stressful for our staff and even moreso for Blaze and Maggie,” said Caroline Esera, AWLQ Marketing & Communications Manager. “We cannot separate the dogs as they are tightly bonded, so it would’ve been highly traumatic experience for both of them.”

“As a charity working tirelessly to help animals in need, this kind of situation is very upsetting for us and the animals in our care. We are shocked that someone would do something like this and put our animals’ safety at risk. We are just thankful Blaze and the other dogs were unharmed.” she said.

AWLQ is appealing to the public for any information that might help identify the person(s) responsible for the break-in. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward to Police to assist with the investigation.

The organisation remains committed to providing the highest level of care to all animals in its shelter and is grateful for the community’s continued support.

Despite the recent events, Blaze and Maggie are in good health and are eagerly awaiting adoption together.

–ENDS–

For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Caroline Esera
Marketing & Communications Manager
0431 658 934
[email protected]

About Animal Welfare League Queensland
Founded in 1959, AWLQ has become a trusted leader in animal welfare. We provide a safe haven and second chance for more than 10,000 stray and homeless animals annually. To each of these animals we welcome through our doors, we promise never to euthanise a healthy, sociable, or
treatable animal in our care. In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work, including our community vet clinic