A true tragedy at a cat shelter in United States is causing shock. The owner and caregiver, Chris Arsenault, died in a fire at the location while trying to rescue the animals.
Moreover, it is estimated that the catastrophe caused the death of dozens of cats living there.
Tragedy at a Cat Shelter in the United States
This cat sanctuary, named Happy Cat Sanctuary, is located in Long Island, New York.
Rescuing and looking to relocate the surviving cats. (Photo: AFP).
According to local media reports, Arsenault died trying to rescue the felines from the blaze that occurred on Monday.
Firefighters and police made an intense effort to safeguard the surviving animals. The fire, according to a report from the Suffolk County Police, started at Arsenault’s home around 7:15 a.m.
“He was trying to extinguish the fire and going in and out of the house repeatedly to rescue the cats, but then he went in and never came out,” recounted Lisa Jaeger, a shelter volunteer. “He was going in and out with his last breaths, because that’s who he was,” she added.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact number of deceased animals. Rescuers have installed feeders on-site while looking for shelter for the found cats.
“We have food on the way and standby veterinarians,” confirmed Frankie Floridia from the Strong Island Animal Rescue organization to local media. It is estimated that there are 200 surviving cats.
What is known about the fire
This was the Happy Cat Sanctuary shelter. (Photo: Happy Cat Sanctuary).
Although it is still very early, as rescuers indicated, to provide accurate answers, it is believed that the fire may have started with an explosion at the caretaker’s house.
The Brookhaven Town Hall, on the other hand, reported that they had been investigating “multiple property violations against the owner” of the property due to complaints from neighbors. They indicate that the owner was planning to move out of the neighborhood shortly.
After the tragedy, other animal rescuers came to the site to remember Arsenault, who founded the sanctuary 20 years ago after his son’s death in a motorcycle accident.
According to neighbors and animal advocates, the man took great care of the cats, ensuring they were well-fed and protected.
An attorney from the Brookhaven municipality stated to CBS News New York that “the municipality was working with the owner to ensure that his facilities complied with municipal and state building codes.
The founder died trying to rescue the cats.
Additionally, it was reported that in recent months, he had managed to relocate between 60 and 80 of his cats to a new sanctuary in the northern part of the state, where he was eagerly looking forward to moving.
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