Urgent: Local Animal Rescue Faces Break-In Attempt, Community Needed

UPDATE: A shocking break-in attempt at the Ten Lives Club animal rescue in Hamburg, NY, has left the community reeling after surveillance footage captured the frightening incident early Saturday morning. The rescue group, dedicated to cat adoption, is urgently seeking assistance and heightened security measures.

Marie Edwards, founder and executive director of Ten Lives Club, was alerted by her Blink Camera application while out of town. “I was appalled,” she stated. “It was very scary to see the camera and the people, I don’t even believe they were kids; I think they were 18- to 20-year-olds.”

The surveillance footage, shared with WIVB News 4, shows a group of four individuals, some wearing masks and hoods, approaching the rescue’s property. They attempted to break into the building and also targeted a neighboring vacant property that Ten Lives Club is currently negotiating to purchase. “We don’t need any damage or anything broken or our animals hurt,” Edwards emphasized.

Fortunately, the intruders were unsuccessful in entering the buildings but managed to destroy two security cameras in their attempt. “They reached up to one of the cameras and tried to take it down,” Edwards added. The footage captured some images of their faces, providing potential leads for local law enforcement.

The break-in attempt has left staff feeling unsettled. Kelly Sinclair, the rescue’s community development manager, expressed the emotional toll: “The fact that someone, or multiple people, would try and break in and possibly jeopardize the well-being of our cats is just disappointing and heartbreaking.”

In response to this alarming incident, Ten Lives Club is ramping up security around its facility. Edwards confirmed that they are boarding up windows and enhancing lighting to deter any future attempts. “We’re going to be extra vigilant here at our building,” she stated. They’ve also begun efforts to upgrade their camera system to improve security.

The animal rescue is calling on the community for support. To assist with the necessary upgrades or to provide information about the break-in attempt, the public can contact the Hamburg Police Department at 716-364-2035.

As this situation develops, community members are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. The safety of the animals and staff at Ten Lives Club is paramount, and local support is crucial in these trying times.