A 48-year-old man accused of breaking into and setting fire to the Berkeley Animal Services Shelter appeared in court Thursday.
Peter Taraba faces multiple charges, including felony arson, from the June 6 incident.
Police said video surveillance footage showed Taraba coming to the animal shelter, breaking a window and using an “improvised incendiary device” to start the fire.
According to shelter employees, there were more than 40 animals located in the shelter, including Taraba’s own dog.
Long-term pet owners and residents of Berkeley said they are glad no one was hurt and that the shelter is undergoing repairs.
Crews continue to repair fire, smoke and water damages at the shelter following the break-in. The shelter remains closed and is expected to reopen on July 6.
Taraba is currently jailed in Alameda County, with his bail set at $25,000.
Court records also show Taraba faces charges for allegedly assaulting a homeless shelter worker in March, and with vandalism on June 5.