‘Significant’ fire kills 29 cats, injures more at Stevensville animal sanctuary

A fire that started Sunday in the basement of Happy Days Sanctuary killed 29 cats and left others in critical condition, marking one of the most severe losses the Stevensville rescue has faced.

Fort Erie Fire and Emergency Services said the blaze began around 12:48 p.m. in the basement mechanical room of the sanctuary’s home on Burger Road.

Fire Chief Mark Schmitt confirmed to Fort Erie Radio there were 29 cat deaths when the fire department left and said the cause remains under investigation.

“The fire was under control relatively quickly, and it was contained to the room of origin, but there was significant smoke damage to the rest of the building,” said Schmitt.

No humans were injured, although some cats were reported missing when Schmitt left.

Happy Days Sanctuary owner Ann Swinson was on site when smoke began filling the home.

“I told the volunteer, ‘Grab that shovel and break all the windows to get smoke out.’ Because it was filling with smoke. We tried to get in, so we were hoping the cats would jump out of the building,” Swinson told Fort Erie Radio early Sunday evening.

Swinson and volunteers performed CPR on multiple cats pulled from the building, then loaded 12 survivors into vehicles for emergency treatment in Hamilton.

“I cannot not take them in…I need to bring all of them in tonight, and we will find the money somehow,” said Swinson.

The sanctuary is also home to other animals, though only cats were affected.

Swinson said the community can help cover emergency veterinary bills for the surviving cats and help with the cost of repairs for the facility. Happy Days Sanctuary is a charity registered with Canada Helps. Donations can also be made by sending an e-transfer to info@hdsanctuary.org.

Residents who want to support the sanctuary are urged to donate immediately as medical costs will continue to rise for the surviving animals.

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