CAPE TOWN – An animal shelter in Vrygrond near Muizenburg, is appealing for assistance after their facility was ravaged by a fire that left several dogs without kennels.
On Thursday morning 18 September, a fire was ignited on a property across the Tears Animal Rescue at 05:00, said spokesperson Tinka Shapiro.
Tears is an animal rescue that helps to treat, rehabilitate and re-home hundreds of animals each year.
Shapiro said she is not sure what caused the fire.
The blaze was reported by Tears member Mandy Store.
“It spread across the wooden fence and into the kennels. Staff who live in the area were alerted by security and were able to respond quickly and move the dogs from the kennels that were burning and place them safely in the clinic,” she said.
A fire that ravaged the Tears Animal Rescue has displaced several dogs and left them without kennels. Photos: supplied. 
The animal shelter lost three wendy houses and 51 metres of vibracrete wall in the fire. 
The firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and helped move the dogs to safety, added Tears Animal Rescue spokesperson Tinka Shapiro.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted about a fire near Lekkerwater Road in Sunnydale, said spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
The initial reports revealed that two shacks, three containers, and three vehicles were damaged during the fire, Carelse confirmed. Several crews were on the scene. The fire was contained, and no injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire has not been determined. No animals were injured, he said.
The fire has displaced several dogs that are also being treated for smoke inhalation, Shapiro added. “We are using exercise runs and our training space to accommodate the dogs that are currently without kennels.
“All the dogs will be sheltered in available structures to make sure that they are safe and sound,” she said.
The estimated cost to repair the facility is unknown at this stage.
At least three wendy houses and 51 metres of vibracrete wall were damaged. Several kennels, plastic dog beds, blankets and toys were also destryoyed. “The firefighters arrived on the scene very quickly. We were moving the dogs out of the burning kennels. We had to find space in the kennels for seven dogs from three enclosures,” Shapiro said.
The organisation is busy clearing the rubble and disposing damaged material. “Donated items can be dropped off at the kennels at 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale (just off Kommetjie Road), or one of the charity shops in Retreat (281 Main Road, Retreat) or Fish Hoek (Corner of Recreation Road and Main Road, Fish Hoek),” she said.
. For more information or to make a contribution contact Tinka Shapiro at 021 785 4482 or email tinka@tears.org.za.
