WATCH: Suspect steals dog rescue group's donation jar at Mesquite PetSmart

A nonprofit organization that rescues animals was ripped off Saturday when someone stole a donation jar from inside a Mesquite pet store.

Hannah’s Southern Paws donation jar stolen

What we know:

The theft happened on Saturday afternoon at the PetSmart store in Mesquite. 

Hannah Fugitt said had set up a table inside the store for her nonprofit organization, Hannah’s Southern Paws, and was in the process of collecting donations and trying to find homes for her rescue animals.

"We are a nonprofit 501c3 rescue. We focus on rescuing dogs and cats who have been neglected or homeless surrendered, or end up at the shelters for various reasons," she said.

Fugitt said that when she turned away from the table for a minute, someone snatched the jar that was filled with cash donations from the public.

"As soon as I turned my back, I hear someone yell out, ‘Hey! Turn around.’ And there is someone with a hood on that has my donation jar and they are darting out the door," she said. 

Watch what happened:

Cellphone video from someone in the parking lot shows the thief running from the store with the donation jar to a waiting car.

He got into the passenger seat of a white car with an Oklahoma license.

The video also shows several people running after him with their cellphones out.

One of them snapped a picture of the car’s license plate, and Fugitt said she gave that photo to Mesquite police.

Why you should care:

Fugitt said her organization is a foster-based rescue. That means it doesn’t have a physical building. Volunteers provide temporary homes until the animals can be placed in forever homes.

"When I say we are a nonprofit I truly mean we rely solely on donations and the support from the community to take care of these animals," she said. "When I saw that donation jar being carried away, I mean, it completely shattered my heart."

What's next:

Mesquite police said they are investigating the theft.

Fugitt has a message for the money grabbers.

"You didn’t take from me as a person. You took from a lot of animals that are helpless and it creates a big wave. And it’s not a positive wave. And, you know, please think before, you know, doing these kinds of things in the future and the kind of effect that they can have," she said.

What you can do:

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Mesquite Police Department with tips.

To make a donation to Hannah’s Southern Paws, visit hannahssouthernpaws.org.

The Source: The information in this story comes from an email and interview with Hannah's Southern Paws founder Hannah Fugitt, photos and cellphone video the nonprofit organization shared, and an update from the Mesquite Police Department.

MesquiteCrime and Public SafetyPets and Animals