Cats and kittens died in a fire at an animal shelter in Mulgrave, near Sydney, Australia. A man charged over the incident was kept in custody on Tuesday, police said.
Emergency services first reached the shelter at about 5:30 a.m. on Monday. A passing motorist entered the site and rescued several dogs from kennels.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but several cats and kittens could not be saved. Police have not released a final official death count. Local reports stated two mother cats and their kittens died.
Crews returned around 5:30 p.m. the same day for a second fire at the shelter. This fire caused no further animal deaths or major additional damage.
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Police investigate two fires at the shelter
Police arrested a 35-year-old man that evening for deliberately starting both shelter fires.
The charges include fire offences, damage to property and an animal cruelty offence involving an animal’s death.
Penrith Local Court refused to release the man on bail on Tuesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 20.
Care continues for surviving animals
The Hawkesbury Gazette reported that damage forced Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter to close to the public. Staff continued caring for surviving animals while temporary arrangements were made.
The Animal Justice Party’s local group has called for government funding to restore the shelter. It also wants stronger fire protection and security at animal shelters across New South Wales.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: theanimalreader.com
