Animal charity 'heartbroken' after van destroyed

Staff at an animal charity said they were "devastated" to discover the van they used to transport animals had been stolen and then destroyed.

Debbie and James Fryer set up Adoptapaws in Rotherham in 2023 with the aim of rescuing and rehoming dogs and other animals.

The charity's specialist van, which had cost £30,000, was stolen from a garage in Sheffield on Tuesday night and was found vandalised near Beeley Wood the next day.

Debbie said she was "absolutely heartbroken" and added: "It feels like the world has ended – why do this to us as a charity?"

The pair previously ran a pet shop but set up the charity after their business closed down.

The dogs they rescue are cared for at kennels in Bramley and Debbie said the work had "taken over their lives".

"We're all volunteers," she said.

"We work 24/7 because we love animals, we want to help families keep their pets alive and well."

James said the van had been used to rescue animals including "peacocks, tortoises, even donkeys".

But when the vehicle was found on Wednesday morning, the engine had been ripped out and other components had been scattered across the nearby woodland.

James said the incident had happened at a busy time for the charity: "We currently have 40 rescued dogs at our kennels."

The pair said the van was in the process of being repaired at a garage in Hillsborough when it was stolen.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed they had received reports that a grey Citroen Relay van had been stolen from Limestone Cottage Lane in Sheffield on Wednesday.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Officers investigated the incident as far as reasonably possible.

"As no witnesses or CCTV have been identified, the incident has been filed pending further investigative opportunities becoming available."

The charity set up a fundraiser to raise money towards the cost of replacing the van.

James said the charity is currently "grounded" and replacing the vehicle would not be easy, as new cages and fittings would be needed to convert a new vehicle.

He said he was also seeking advice from his insurance company.

When the van was taken it had been loaded up with equipment in preparation for the charity to attend the All About Dogs Show in Newark.

"We had hoped to raised much needed funds," Debbie said.

"Now we don't even know at the moment whether we will be able to attend."

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