Dozens of dogs die in fire at rescue home

A teenager has been arrested after more than 40 dogs died in a suspected arson attack at Manchester Dogs Home (11 August).

‘Best efforts’

Around 25 firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) battled the blaze, which started at around 7pm, destroying one wing of the dog’s home. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

Station manager Paul Duggan said the crew worked hard to stop the fire from spreading and they managed to save 150 dogs. However, 43 dogs are have been confirmed as dead – and this number could rise. It is currently unknown how many are injured.

GMFRS tweeted: “Sadly despite our best efforts, a number of dogs have died tonight at a fire in Harpurhey.”

Thousands raised

Hundreds of local people attended the scene offering to help or home the surviving dogs, however GMFRS warned people to stay away until the fire was under control.

The well-meaning animal lovers were advised to pledge money to the charity via a JustGiving page, set up by local newspaper the Manchester Evening News, who first reported on the incident. More than £150,000 has been raised in one night.

Manchester Dogs Home was established in 1893 to help the stray and unwanted dogs found in the area. It now also covers parts of Lancashire, Cheshire and Derbyshire, and cares for more than 7,000 dogs each year.

Angry and upset

Police released a statement saying a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson. He was being held for questioning and they are working with GMFRS to find out how this travesty happened.

Superintendent Marcus Noden said: “We are in the very early stages of the investigation and have a young boy in custody, however we would ask if anyone was in the area and remembers seeing anything suspicious around the dogs’ home that they call police and tell us what they know.

“As a dog owner myself I understand that many people will feel angry and upset about what has happened, but I would ask that they let the police carry out their investigations and not take matters into their own hands.”