'Devastating blow' - Gardaí filmed responding to Offaly charity shop raid
An animal rescue charity shop was broken into and completely destroyed in Edenderry
There is a huge amount of shock and anger in Edenderry, Offaly after an animal rescue charity store was destroyed during an apparent burglary.
My Lovely Horse Rescue is “absolutely heartbroken and devastated” in the aftermath of an attack on their charity shop.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, November 3, at My Lovely Vintage Edenderry and My Lovely Hoofs & Boots shop in Edenderry.
The store was broken into and completely wrecked after “someone smashed their way through the front window, broke windows at the back and went on to destroy so much inside”.
My Lovely Horse Rescue said that items were smashed, things that they had treasured and used as displays for years were ruined, and the whole place was left in an awful state.
“There is no money in this shop. It is a charity shop. Every single penny we raise goes towards helping us run My Lovely Animal Horse Rescue and care for the animals who depend on us.
“We honestly cannot understand why someone would do this. We are already working so hard, taking one step forward and what feels like twenty steps backwards. This is another devastating blow for our little rescue”.
My Lovely Horse rescue has given a massive thank you to An Garda Síochána for responding to the incident and catching the person responsible. Gardaí were filmed apprehending the alleged culprit inside the shop.
Gardai removed him from the premises and the animal charity is “genuinely grateful for their help and support”.
“Our thoughts are also with our wonderful shop manager and all our volunteers. We are so, so sorry that you have had to witness this and deal with the aftermath. We know how much love, time and effort you put into the shop
“To everyone in Edenderry who has sent messages and well wishes, thank you. Your kindness means more than you know,” the rescue said.
“Sadly, our charity shop will remain closed for the foreseeable future while we try to repair the damage and get everything back up and running. We will keep everyone updated”.
The charity has asked that for those who can donate, no matter how big or small, please consider supporting My Lovely Horse Rescue at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our animals still need us. The bills don't stop, the feed doesn't stop, and the care doesn't stop. We are heartbroken, we are angry, and today we are picking ourselves up yet again”.
The link to donate to the animal rescue is here.
The post on social media, by My Lovely Horse rescue, has received a large number of angry comments from people in the local community.
One person said: “I’m so sad to hear this news! It was a beautiful shop, so well curated and full of treasures at great prices. Every penny of which went towards rescue. Odd the culprit was still in shop! I’m getting a mental image of ‘it’s’ issues. It would be great if local community came together to help get the shop back in shape!”.
Another person said: “Absolutely despicable to do this to a charity and at this time of year above any other. Your charity is held in the highest esteem by the great work you do, day in day out. People will be there for you. Unfortunately, I can’t donate at the minute as job searching but I would be happy to come over and help get the shop up and running quickly if needed. I don’t live far from Edenderry”.