PAXTON , Mass., Nov. 23 (UPI) ─ Dozens of dogs and cats were killed when a fire engulfed an animal shelter in Paxton, Mass., emergency officials said.
One of two buildings owned by the non-profit Sweetpea Friends of Rutlands Animals, a no-kill shelter, was engulfed by flames late Sunday. The fire closed part of Route 122 in central Massachusetts for several hours.
Staffers said 17 dogs and 39 cats were believed to have died in the blaze. At least five large-breed dogs survived and were treated by veterinary technicians for smoke inhalation.
Flames and smoke poured from the roof of the building, preventing the rescue of additional animals.
The cause of the fire, which was contained by fire companies from five local communities, was under investigation. Paxton Fire chief Jay Conte declared the building a total loss, though a second building on the property was not damaged.
To replace items they lost, shelter director Richard Clark asked for supplies, including pet food, bowls and pet store gift cards in a Facebook post Monday.
