Police ‘disappointed’ after someone emptied Lake Norman pet food pantry
Huntersville police expressed disappointment and social media reaction was mixed after someone absconded with all the pet food and other supplies in a community pet pantry last week.
Police help stock Loki’s Pet Pantry, near Abernethy Park, that’s intended “for pet owners facing hard times,” police officials said on Facebook Monday.
After restocking the pantry Monday night, Jan. 5, police learned that within two days, someone removed all the items, “including 45 cans and 12 bags of food, every basic care item, and more.”
The pantry is unattended and open to anyone in need to show up to take pet food, but someone taking all the food harms other people who can’t get the benefit, police said.
“This was cleared out by one person, according to witnesses in the area,” police said. “To make matters worse, trash was left behind for someone else to clean up.”
Police asked anyone who’d like to help replenish the pantry to drop off items at the police department, 9630 Julian Clark Ave.
“This pantry exists so resources can be shared among neighbors who truly need them,” police said. “When one person takes everything, it leaves other families — and their pets — with nothing.”
Mixed reaction on social media
Some on social media suggested surveillance cameras be installed, which police said they will do soon. Use a Sharpie to put a line through the bar codes, others recommended.
Some on social media expressed outrage that someone would clear out the entire pantry. “It has got where you can not trust anyone,” a woman said.
“Some people have no morals left in their greedy souls,” another woman posted.
Others said people are going through tough times and may have needed the food for their animals or others’ pets.
“Some people pick up for the old people that can’t get around there picking up for 3 to 4 familys that’s not stealing,” a woman wrote. “That’s helping.”
About placing cameras in the area, another woman said: “Look out, it’s the pantry police!”