Surveillance photos have documented someone stealing Clay Humane’s mobile unit with a blue pickup truck.
The nonprofit veterinary clinic based in Orange Park bought the mobile unit last year, largely with contributions from the community.
Although it looks like an RV trailer, it was redesigned as a mobile triage and treatment center for animals.
“We have been working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to an increase in veterinary issues,” said Linda Welzant, executive director of Clay Humane in an email sent to WJCT News. “As we prepared to return to somewhat normal scheduling, we planned to use the mobile center to care for the backlog of patient needs that, unfortunately, had to be put on hold during the crisis. Now, we must rethink our plan.”
Clay Humane’s cameras picked up photos of the theft. It happened at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, at the clinic at 2230 Filmore St. in Orange Park.
“All the doors and windows of our mobile unit were locked, and no drugs were inside,” said Welzant.
The mobile unit was outfitted to fulfill Clay Humane's longtime goal of having an additional resource to face the growing need for affordable veterinary care and to serve as an emergency response unit in times of disaster or emergency.
“We hope the public will help us find our mobile unit so we can continue to assist animals on a daily basis and in emergencies,” said Welzant.
Clay Humane’s disaster team has responded to disaster events throughout the South, including the Florida Firestorm of 1998 and Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Anyone with information about Clay Humane’s stolen mobile unit is asked to call the Clay County Sheriff’s office at 904-264-6512.
