Raiders clear Folkestone RSPCA clinic of drug stocks
THIEVES who stole the entire drugs stock from Shepway's only RSPCA clinic may have swiped the animals' medication for human use, according to the disgusted charity.
Raiders cleared the clinic, in Grace Hill, Folkestone, of its drugs and medication stocks – only leaving behind flea treatment and wormers – during an early-morning raid on May 29.
The centre, which offers treatment and first aid mostly to pets owned by people on benefits or low incomes, has now been forced to close its doors while it assesses the damage and losses, which are likely to cost more than £2,000.
Many of the pills and injectable drugs stolen cannot safely be used by humans but several, including amoxicillin and metronidazole, can be taken.
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Practice manager Phyl Wood, who believes the stock may have been taken for the thieves' own personal use, said the raid was "devastating" for the charity and the people who rely on it.
She said: "This place is my baby and to see it destroyed because of some stupid idiots wanting some drugs is heart-breaking.
"I was hysterical when I found out, it's a mega mess."
The centre has been in Grace Hill for more than 40 years and is used by pet owners from across Shepway, Ashford and Dover districts.
While the adjacent RSCPA shop was left untouched, the charity has been quoted about £2,000 to repair the damage to the clinic and hundreds of pounds to replace the medication.
Phyl, who has worked at the branch for about 12 years, said: "It's the second time we've been burgled in a few months, I think the first time they may have been casing the joint to see what we had.
"We need to close to clear up and sanitise everything.
"It makes me feel bad turning people away; if there's an animal which needs putting down we want to help put it out of its misery, but the place is such a mess."
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