Fire at Fla. Shelter Kills Dozens of Cats

Apr 08, 05:10 PM

Current Headlines: Dozens of cats are thought to have lost their lives this weekend when an intense fire destroyed most of the Jacksonville Humane Society facility in Florida.

Humane Society officials told the Jacksonville Times-Union that while scores of the shelter's estimated 175 to 200 animals were rescued from Saturday morning's fire, dozens of cats likely perished in the blaze.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue spokesman Tom Francis confirmed that most of the facility's feline population likely died in the blaze, but credited the nearly 70 firefighters on hand for their valiant efforts.

Our protection of life policy extends to all living creatures, he said. It's an emotional scene. When you have defenseless animals in danger, you see even the most seasoned veteran firefighter feel some melancholy.

Local firefighters even went so far as to adopt up to 10 of the dogs that survived the deadly fire.

The newspaper said the remaining animal survivors of the fire, whose cause is unknown, have been moved to an area kennel for the time being.