Thirty-one dogs let loose from Qld shelter

The Queensland RSPCA has slammed the stupidity of the person who deliberately let more than 30 dogs free from a north Queensland animal shelter.

Staff have managed to locate 11 of the dogs but 20 are still missing after their kennels were opened by someone who broke into the Townsville Animal Care Centre in the early hours of Easter Sunday.

RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said whoever was responsible had put the safety of not only the dogs but motorists at risk.

"The trouble is it's not that far from the main highway in Townsville," he told AAP.

"They could get out on the road and obviously get run over themselves but potentially cause accidents on the highway."

Police were investigating how those responsible gained access to the property, but Mr Beatty said the area was not fully enclosed because it bordered a council pound.

"The only saving grace, if there is any, is the dogs they let out were from the adoption area," he added.

"At least those dogs don't have any veterinary issues or behavioural issues."

It was the first time that many animals had been let free from any Queensland shelter, Mr Beatty said.

"It's just an incredibly stupid thing to do."

Anybody who comes across a lost dog should contact the council.