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Community Rallies Behind Pet Store Hit By Vandals

Posted: 12:48 pm PDT October 9, 2006

A community is rallying behind a north Seattle pet store and shelter that was targeted by vandals over the weekend.

Vandals entered Animal Talk on Roosevelt Way early Saturday morning, opened cages, stole some animals and injured others.

"I don't understand what kind of sick individual would think that was something funny or fun," said Susan Wilk, a volunteer at the store.

The intruders killed about 25 mice and gerbils and set 45 cats free to roam throughout the store. At least seven of those cats were brutally abused.

"At least two of them had to have been drop-kicked. They have internal injuries, bruising, bleeding," said Missy Young, an owner of the store.

The intruders stole more than 15 reptiles, leading store workers to conclude the attack was not random.

"The reptiles that were taken were specifically animals that could be bred, a sexed bull python, bearded dragons, rescue iguana -- a beautiful specimen that was a store pet," Wilk said.

A stream of people came by to drop off donations on Monday.

"We've seen an outpouring of support," said KIRO 7 Eyewitness reporter Alison Ahmoye.

The staff at Animal Talk said the animal rescue group Pasado Safe Haven has raised $2,500 reward to help catch those responsible for the crime.

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