SANFORD, Mich. — Cozy Cats Cafe, an animal shelter in Sanford, is seeking assistance from the community after several thefts have been reported in recent weeks. Crystal Burditt, the shelter’s president, expressed her heartbreak over the incidents.
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Burditt revealed that the shelter has been targeted multiple times, stating, "Our bottles had been all stolen for the whole month which was pretty disheartening. I guess last week somebody had taken a couple, and my crew just told me about it a couple of days ago or I would’ve been a little more aware of it." Additionally, the shelter experienced the theft of an expensive ladder and various lawn equipment, including a leaf blower.
In response to these incidents, Cozy Cats Cafe is working to install a security system and has received donations for surveillance cameras. Burditt has also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for security enhancements, which could include installing a fence around the shelter property.
Burditt emphasized the need for these upgrades to protect the shelter, its resources, and the community it serves. She expressed her disappointment, stating, "I’m ashamed that with so many wonderful people in the community, that one or two individuals, like the .001%, really kind of makes you want to lock your doors. In such a beautiful community where there are so many wonderful attributes, to know that you’re not safe in your own home, in your own backyard because of a few individuals, it just breaks my heart."