OVER $500 in cash has been stolen from the Paws and Claws animal refuge near Port Douglas.

The break-in targeted a cash tin with more than $530 inside on Saturday night, with no other stolen property or damage reported.

It’s believed the culprit gained access via a rear or front window at the shelter, located on the Captain Cook Highway in Craiglie.

Paws and Claws president Michael Kerr said it was an opportunistic crime.

“Usually we don’t hold any money on site at all, but it was one of those occasions where we had a busy Friday and Saturday trade and we happened to leave the tin there,” Kerr said.

Police were called with fingerprints taken from all the doors and windows of the premises. The building has CCTV security cameras, but they are pointing towards the dog kennels and not the building.

“We never usually have anything on site and didn’t think we’ve ever be a target for theft,” Kerr said.

“It’s extremely disappointing that a charity like ours has been targeted. We struggle everyday to keep this thing going and we didn’t need this.”

The animal shelter, a not-for-profit charity, needs $2500 a week to just to keep the facility afloat.

“We would like to thank everyone for their concern and we are very gracious for all the donations we have received even since Sunday,” Kerr said.

* Anyone with information in relation to this crime can call Port Douglas police on (07) 4087 1999