Catalytic converter theft leaves South Carolina animal rescue in need of info

JAMES ISLAND, SC (WCBD) – Pet Helpers are running out of transportation for their animals after someone stole catalytic converters from two of their pickup trucks.

An employee discovered the theft after attempting to start one of the vehicles on Tuesday.

“We quickly realized something was wrong,” said Will Howell, public relations and marketing manager at Pet Helpers.

Pet Helpers were using one of the vans to transport animals from other state shelters to Charleston as they helped tackle a statewide capacity crisis.

“We’ve taken in a lot of cats and dogs from other local shelters,” Howell said. “You can drive the vans without (the catalytic converters), but we’d rather not. It’s not as good for the environment.

The repairs would cost the shelter thousands of dollars which Howell says must be saved for the animals.

“It is costing us over $ 160,000 per month to manage this operation and provide the level of care that we are used to providing,” Howell said. “We also have full dog flooring right now, there are a lot of cats coming in every day and we just want to minimize the damage that might cause.”

Pet Helpers is asking for any information the public might have as they try to piece together the footage from the security cameras. Donations are also welcome to help pay for the replacement of catalytic converters.

If you have any information about the flight, Pet Helpers will ask you to call 843-795-1110 or email [email protected].

Donations can be given here.