Hardworking animal charity chief Wayne May took a deserved day off to take his father out for a birthday fishing trip and to watch seals.

But the treat was ruined by thieves who broke into his specialised animal ambulance, stealing equipment and vandalising the vehicle.

It was parked in The Esplanade in Rochester when thieves smashed a window and stole cash and veterinary medical equipment from inside.

Not only did the thieves swipe the valuable supplies, they also cut the seat belts.

The vehicle is owned by Wayne May, 43, who runs the Dartford-based Artisan Rare Breeds centre, which does conservation and educational work.

Mr May, who has run the charity for the past 18 years, said: “My dad and I had hired a boat to go out and see seals on the river and afterwards we went fishing. It was a birthday treat for him.”

He discovered the break-in when he returned to the vehicle and items which were stolen include a Rhino tuff box containing the medical supplies, £23 in cash and a orange and white chainsaw.

The medical box and its contents were alone worth more than £750.

Mr May, a married father of one, added: “Because the seatbelts were cut the ambulance couldn’t be driven away so I had to pay for it to be recovered and then repaired.

It has cost £500 already to repair and was off the road for four days and its an expense the charity can ill afford.

“We rely on public funding and this break-in has set the charity back somewhat.”

The blue Nissan Terrano was targeted on Tuesday, October 14 between about 7am and 12.30pm

A spokesman for police in Medway said: “It is reported that a chainsaw, medical supplies for animals and £23 cash was stolen. Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 14-0610.”

To donate, visit the rare breeds centre website.

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