25 guinea pigs are missing. This Tucson-area animal sanctuary wants answers

On September 23, 25 guinea pigs were stolen from a Marana animal sanctuary, leading to an active investigation by the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Deputies are searching for two female suspects who vandalized the facility with obscenities and a racial slur, suggesting a possible hate crime. Monique Sainz, a board member of the Lidtke Small Animal Foundation, believes more individuals may have been involved, as the intruders broke through two doors and disabled security cameras. The stolen guinea pigs, many of whom required special diets and medications, were particularly vulnerable due to their health conditions. At the time of the theft, the sanctuary was relocating to Phoenix, with the stolen animals awaiting final vet clearance.

The facility had about 100 guinea pigs, most of which had already been moved. Sainz expressed heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing the fragility of the stolen animals. The sheriff's department urges anyone with information to call 911 or 88-Crime to help recover the guinea pigs.