AN animal charity has pledged to continue with its work after a break-in at its shop and office.

Burglars struck at K9 Animal Care’s premises in Granville Terrace, Wheatley Hill, County Durham, some time between closing on Saturday lunchtime and opening up this morning (Monday, February 17).

The charity rehomes abandoned animals, provides respite care and supports pet owners. The shop helped raise money for its work.

The raiders ransacked the place and made off with power tools and heaters from the upstairs office.

Charity executor Ralda Sheard said: “We came in this morning and realised the back door was ajar.

“The upstairs office was scrambled. They kicked doors in and ransacked the place.

“They went for tools and heaters, basically. Anything easy to move, they took.

“I felt like I had been kicked by a horse this morning.

“The shop was up and running after the police had been in the early afternoon. We won’t be deterred, we’ll keep moving forward.”

Mrs Sheard added that some customers had offered their help with their clear-up.

Anyone with information should call Durham Police on the non-emergency number 101.