Tasmania Police confirmed the shelter’s security company called them out to an alleged burglary at approximately 11:50pm.

Shelter staff Caroline Higgins and Deborah Moore said locks were cut open on three or four doors, and several dogs were let out.

One dog, a six-month-old puppy named Breena, remains missing.

Breena is tan and white, and is very friendly with humans: she was only recently desexed and still has stitches.

Ms Moore said it was “gutting” to lose a dog in such a way, and that all the dogs in the shelter were distressed and anxious this morning.

“All we’re trying to do is help these animals find great homes,” Ms Higgins said.

But it wasn’t all bad news as another dog that was let out during the break-in, Jaydee, was found after enjoying a delicious night snacking on treats in the shelter’s store room.

“She was so excited to see us,” Ms Higgins laughed.

“She had a great night.”

UPDATED 10:00am: Several dogs were let out of the Launceston Animal Care Centre during a break-in on Wednesday night, with one dog still missing.

Tasmania Police confirmed they were called out by the shelter's security company at approximately 11:50pm to a burglary with dogs let out.

RSPCA Launceston shelter manager Lorraine Hamilton told The Examiner that bolts were cut on gates during the night.

“I found two [dogs] and put them back into their kennels,one I found in a store room, she’d got into a box of treats and eaten them all, so she’s safe but will probably have a belly-ache now,” Ms Hamilton said.

“But one dog is still missing.”

Six-month-old Breena still has stitches from a recent operation in which she was desexed.

Breena is tan with a white chest.

If you see the puppy phone 6332 8210.