A devastating blaze in northern New York has tragically claimed the lives of 44 shelter dogs, igniting serious questions about fire safety in animal rescue facilities.
At a Glance
- 44 shelter dogs perished in a tragic kennel fire in northern New York.
- The blaze completely destroyed the No Dogs Left Behind facility in Canton, NY.
- Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
- No human injuries were reported, despite the tragic loss of animals.
Heartbreaking Tragedy Unfolds Overnight
The fire at Maple Ridge Kennels in Canton, New York devastated the No Dogs Left Behind building, killing 44 dogs overnight. Emergency services responded around 1 a.m. after a passerby noticed the flames. Unfortunately, given the intensity of the blaze, no dogs survived. The building, comprising indoor kennels and an outdoor play area, was fully engulfed, leaving responders powerless to save the animals.
More than 40 dogs killed in fire at rescue group's kennels in New York https://t.co/OSyWwONzwh
— The Associated Press (@AP) October 25, 2024
The dogs were under the care of No Dogs Left Behind, an organization known for rescuing canines from Asia’s meat trade and conflict zones. The organization expressed profound grief, stating, “Each dog was a member of our family. Tragically, they are victims once again. We have no words to express our grief.” This highlights the emotional bond shared with these animals.
Investigation and Immediate Aftermath
St. Lawrence County officials are currently investigating the cause of the blaze. Amid this sorrowful event, there were no physical injuries to firefighters or other personnel, which brings a small relief amid the tragedy. The community, while heartbroken, has begun rallying to support the organization as they face this formidable loss.
“We have a long list of things that we check every night before we leave the shelter. There are so many fire precautions and temperatures and fire doors … making sure everything’s unplugged and double-checked,” said Victoria Murray of the Potsdam Humane Society, stressing preventive measures in shelters.
Planning a Future Beyond the Blaze
The kennel’s owner has expressed a resolve to rebuild. Donations are currently being accepted via nodogsleftbehind.com to facilitate this effort. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for stringent fire safety measures across pet shelters, ensuring the protection of these vulnerable animals.
Each member of the community seems determined to assist in any way possible, providing moral and financial support to help the shelter rise from the ashes.
