Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi has been the target of three break-ins within a week, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in lost supplies.
Cardboard lies on the ground near the broken razor wire fence that surrounds the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi shelter on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Jackson. The cardboard was used to bypass the wire by a burglar during a string of robberies. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi TodayARF, a nonprofit shelter, experienced the first break-in on May 13. Unknown amounts of medicines, vaccines, cleaning products and other items were stolen, resulting in up to $18,000 worth of products lost. Entergy crews put up security lights on the property the following day to discourage any future robbery attempts.
Another robbery occurred Tuesday. This time, the organization’s lawn equipment – which included a large lawnmower, a string trimmer, large batteries and the charger – were stolen. Another set of police reports was filed as ARF worked to gather security camera footage to hand over to police.
ARF was robbed again Wednesday. The shelter’s fence and security connections to the trailer were broken. A window unit air conditioner and ice cream were stolen from the breakroom for inmate volunteers. Crates that are used to transport animals to Mississippi State University for spay-neuter days were also missing.
In a Facebook post about the incident, ARF said the burglar also attempted to steal copper from one of the newly installed light poles on the property, digging a 4-foot deep hole around it to pilfer the pole’s copper wiring.
A fresh pile of dirt surrounds a light pole at the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi shelter on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Jackson. A 4-foot hole was dug in an effort to steal cooper from beneath the pole during break-ins. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi TodayIn an interview with Mississippi Today, ARF Founder and Director Elizabeth Jackson said the burglar was originally gaining access to the shelter by climbing a sycamore tree near the main entrance. After the first robbery, the limbs were cut back to prevent more break-ins. That’s when the burglar began to cut through the fence.
“Then he came and cut back the razor wire,” Jackson said. “You can see where the razor wire is missing.”
Jackson also said that many of the items stolen, including the medication, were under lock and key.
“People on social media are out there talking smack saying that ‘we deserve it because we don’t have it secure enough,’” Jackson said.“We had cameras. People are saying ‘get cameras.’ We had cameras.”
ARF social media posts have not mentioned any physical harm to animals during the break-ins.
Jackson’s city-run animal control center closed in October 2021 due to rising animal care concerns, and other shelters have continued to take in stray animals since then.
ARF, located at 395 Mayes St. in central Jackson, is a no-kill shelter that has been operating in the city since 2005. The organization currently houses over 300 dogs and nearly 100 cats, relying solely on donations, grants and volunteers.
“I have no fairy godmother. No sugar daddy. No rich uncle,” Jackson said. “Solely donations.”
A razor wire fence surrounds the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi shelter on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Jackson. The nonprofit experienced three break-ins within a one week. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi TodayThe shelter has worked with Jackson Police Department regarding the recurring thefts, filing three police reports and turning over camera footage. Police have also taken fingerprints at the scene, according to the shelter’s Facebook post.
JPD released security footage of a suspect Wednesday. No arrest had been made by Friday.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact JPD at 601-960-1800, or Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477).
In a Facebook post addressing the robberies, ARF commended Jackson police for their involvement with the case. According to the post, previous break-in reports were met with laughter and disinterest.
“Our new mayor and our new police chief and all involved have been professional, concerned and have followed through with the process,” ARF said. “They have good information and are working on the situation.”
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