Burien CARES Animal Control reported Saturday morning, Nov. 1, 2025 that two of its vehicles were severely vandalized in what the organization believes was a targeted act of hate.

Photos below show that damage included five slashed tires, three shattered windows and a destroyed passenger-side mirror on a truck and van used for animal rescue and shelter operations.

The group said the vandalism was deliberate and not a random act.

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No further details on this incident has been released, we have inquired with the King County Sheriff’s Office, and will update this post with any new information.

“This kind of targeted destruction has no place in our community,” Burien CARES said on Facebook. “Why would anyone target a small nonprofit that’s here to help animals and do good in this community? Who could be so heartless?”

Police Seeking Help

Video footage of the incident has been provided to Burien Police, and an investigation is underway. The shelter is asking anyone with information to contact either Burien CARES at (206) 812-2737, buriencares@gmail.com, or call Burien Police at (206) 477-2200.

“This is what happens when people spread rumors, lies, and create stories just to hurt an organization that’s doing good,” CARES said. “But why? What does anyone gain from tearing down those trying to help animals? In the end, you’re only hurting the animals further.”

C.A.R.E.S. is a non-profit organization, servicing the Burien, Federal Way, and Des Moines communities with animal care services, rescuing over 1,000 animals annually with a return to owner ratio of 65%.

Photos

Below are photos showing the vandalism, courtesy Burien CARES (click arrows or swipe images to view slideshow):

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13 replies on “Burien CARES vehicles vandalized in suspected hate incident; police investigating”

  1. How terrible! This organization is wonderful and just wants to help animals. Cruel people are telling lies about them. I know some of the big hearted people who work there and they do a great job. I hope that the police catch the criminals. I suspect there are some political elements to this. Very sick!

  2. What is wrong with people?! Whether what is being sai is true or not why, why do this destruction? All this is doing is hurting the animals, this is disgraceful. And the people commenting on FB are adults???

    1. Laraine: I looked at the FB comments and I really didn’t see anything other than support. What did you see?

  3. Some on here like to point out, those of us in the business community do use our full names and or the name of the business we own. When we express an opinion

    For exactly this reason.

  4. Burien CARES is the kind of organization we need in Burien–one that contributes to a positive and forward looking community.

    Now would be a good time to donate some time, money, or effort to Burien CARES to help them out as well as the critters in their care.

  5. Terrible. I guess I haven’t heard any ‘rumors’. So, a little in the dark about that. I just don’t understand what goes through someone’s mind when committing these acts. I’m happy to donate, as always, if needed 💕

    1. Yeah, rereading those two prior letters can see there maybe possible issues festering between a group of people and the owner of CARES.

      Hope they get everything fixed and catch the person(s) who did this! Very very unfortunate..

      1. I know for a fact they had a vendetta with Debra George (owner of CARES), they have been openly posting on social media about it since the homeless uproar with the dog park being put in Burien a few years ago.. and a few days ago they posted a few another negative letter about CARES just days before this terrible incident happened?

        Connect the dots, although it could still be a random person or someone influenced by their letter(s) .. TBD

  7. To think that someone would would carry out such a act of destruction anywhere, let alone a non-profit that’s only purpose to help lost and unwanted animals is shameful and unforgivable. I hope they catch them and get them out of our community!

    1. You could offer just about any teenager in burien SeaTac or rat city some money. They would of done it no question asked . They would of spray painted some graffiti for free and some derogatory words make it look like a hate crime .

      1. Yeah, the ones that signed the letter boycotting might just know the truth.

        Hopefully possible motive found, I know I gave the police what I’ve heard and found, along with other recorded documents. I was told the community has been very vigilant in getting tips and clues to them.. Hoping there’s closure soon, its looking that way!

        1. Hopefully they get charged with something that keeps the suspects locked up for a long time. Not just a slap on the wrist.

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