A devastating fire at the Happy Cat Sanctuary on Long Island, New York, last month has resulted in the deaths of over 160 cats, with more still missing. The blaze, which broke out on March 31 at the sanctuary in Medford, claimed the lives of the founder, Chris Arsenault, 65, and several of his cats. Arsenault, known for running the sanctuary as a safe haven for cats since 2006, tragically returned into the burning building to continue rescuing animals. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, though authorities have ruled out arson.
Rescue teams continue to sift through the wreckage, and new updates about the death toll have been shared. On April 7, rescuers announced that an additional 54 dead cats were discovered, bringing the total number of fatalities to over 160. Three of the deceased cats belonged to Arsenault. Frankie Floridia of the Strong Island Animal Rescue League and Robert Misseri of Paws of War, who are leading the recovery efforts, expressed the difficulty of the task. “Today has been a gruesome day,” Floridia said. “We were able to access more parts of the house and sadly found many more deceased cats.”
Despite the heartbreaking losses, the teams are continuing their efforts to rescue surviving cats. On April 8, Strong Island Animal Rescue updated their followers, reporting that injured cats, including one named Mittens, were being rescued and treated. Mittens, a survivor, was adopted by Arsenault’s daughter on the spot.
The recovery efforts are ongoing, with many of the surviving cats now being cared for at a temporary facility. North Shore Animal League America has mobilized over 50 veterinarians to provide medical care, including exams, vaccinations, and deworming. The animals are being prepared for adoption at this facility.
As of April 11, more than 180 cats have survived the fire and are now available for adoption. The Happy Cat Sanctuary has partnered with several organizations to continue the care, socialization, and eventual adoption of the animals. A GoFundMe campaign for the sanctuary has raised over $800,000 to support the rescue and recovery efforts.
In a statement from the sanctuary’s board, the team expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “This has been an incredibly challenging time,” the statement read. “We are doing everything we can to ensure each cat receives the care they deserve. Thank you for your compassion, patience, and ongoing support as we work through this difficult process.”
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