ADVERTISEMENTSixty dogs were killed when a blaze ravaged a kennels in northern England.
The fire broke out in a wing of Manchester Dogs’ Home around 7pm on Thursday, September 11.
Firefighters rescued 150 dogs.
Police say they are quesioning a 15-year-old boy, who was arrested on suspicion of arson.
Well-wishers have donated 635,000 GBP (796,000 euros) to the dogs’ home via an online fund, which was set up by local newspaper Manchester Evening News.
Manchester Dogs’ Home said in a statement: “Our staff and volunteers that had to enter the premises to rescue the live dogs will never be able to put this horrific event behind them. The dogs that were lost tonight were not just strays in a kennel, they were the dogs that they cared for and helped to rehabilitate and had hopes of seeing them into their new homes.
“Thank you must also go to all you dog people on Facebook that has helped to share our situation around the world and already we are on our way to seeing financial donations come in to help us rebuild.”
Detective Inspector Neil Jones, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “The response from the public has been overwhelming and this is clearly an incident that has tugged on the heart strings of many.
“A number of people, including police officers and staff were quickly on the scene and put their life on the line to help with the rescue effort.
“We are determined to establish exactly how and why this fire started and will be working closely with our partners from the fire service.”
Paul Duggan, of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), said: “Around 30 firefighters were called to tackle the fire that involved a complex building at the dogs home. Crew did a fantastic job in tackling the fire and rescued a number of dogs.
“We were also greeted by crowds of people at the scene wanting to help and as a result a number of drop-off centres have been put in place.”
One hundred and fifty dogs rescued. Thousands of pounds donated.Thank you Greater Manchester #manchesterdogshomepic.twitter.com/ztj2t7Mmk9
— Manchester Fire (@manchesterfire) September 11, 2014
Jason Dyer and Dean Rostock. The men who saved 20 dogs from #manchesterdogshome need the #prideofbritain heros pic.twitter.com/KP0dTOZIz5
— RegantheRack (@Reggieistrouble) September 11, 2014
When it comes to animal welfare you are the best. Between you you've raised 100s of £1000s for the devastated dogs home in Manchester.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 12, 2014
Poppy wants to say thank you to Manchester
radiochelsea</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/manchesterdogshome?src=hash">#manchesterdogshome</a> <a href="http://t.co/rAIwy9tQmc">pic.twitter.com/rAIwy9tQmc</a></p>— BodyPerformance-BPT (benpostma) September 11, 2014
Extraordinary scenes as volunteers create huge pile of blankets & food constantly being brought for
McrDogsHome</a> <a href="http://t.co/DFtfHVk20G">pic.twitter.com/DFtfHVk20G</a></p>— Amy Glendinning (amyglendinning) September 11, 2014
#URGENT#Manchester#dogs home on fire #standby#rescues#help#URGENTpic.twitter.com/ZZyh0JDwyt
— The Animal Team (@The_Animal_Team) September 11, 2014
The devestation caused by the fire at Manchester Dogs' Home is clear from this picture taken at the scene. pic.twitter.com/VfNtF8Btwb
— G M Police (@gmpolice) September 12, 2014