Suspect Identified with Surveillance of Theft of Shelter Donations for Puppies

5 days ago 22

Man Identified After Theft of Donations From Norfolk SPCA

In Norfolk, Virginia, the SPCA says it has identified the man accused of stealing donations meant for shelter animals, an act the nonprofit compared to “the Grinch arriving four months early.” The theft targeted supplies that were supposed to help care for puppies, bunnies, and other vulnerable animals.

According to Suzy Swims, director of operations, the donations had been left outside the shelter by a mobile grooming company on Sunday. By evening, however, surveillance footage captured a man taking nearly all of the items away. “To steal from anyone is horrible, but to steal from a nonprofit, and take from homeless animals, is unimaginable,” Swims said. The shelter quickly shared the video in hopes of finding the culprit.

The incident struck especially hard because the Norfolk SPCA is currently caring for an unusually high number of animals. In addition to its regular intakes, the shelter recently accepted numerous dogs from Tennessee as part of a large-scale rescue. With kennels full and medical needs ongoing, community contributions are critical to keeping operations running smoothly.

A young and sweet pit bull was found behind a warehouse in south Memphis with hundreds of bite marks and other severe injuries. Liam, as the rescuers named him, had been used as bait for dog fighting and his abusers are still at large.

The Norfolk SPCA later confirmed through social media that the suspect had been identified and charges are now being pursued. Though police have not yet released the man’s name, the shelter expressed appreciation to the Norfolk Police Department for listening to their concerns and treating the case seriously.

Swims emphasized that the theft was not only unnecessary but avoidable. “If the young man would’ve just waited until we were open, and he needed something, we would’ve gladly given his animal, his dog, or even him, anything he needed that we had,” she explained. The shelter often provides resources to struggling community members when asked, as part of its broader mission to support both pets and people.

For staff and volunteers, the loss is about more than supplies. It represents a setback in their mission to provide food, medicine, and comfort to homeless animals waiting for families. Still, the fact that the suspect has been identified offers hope that accountability will follow.

Despite the disruption, the Norfolk SPCA says it will continue pushing forward with its work, reminding the community that every donation—whether time, money, or supplies—directly impacts the lives of animals in need. For the puppies, bunnies, and other pets depending on them, the fight for a safe future remains the top priority.