It is with great sadness that we inform you of the accident that occurred at out New Castle, DE, Campus. At approximately 12:15 am early this morning, a vehicle crashed into the building and started a gas fire, claiming the life of the driver and three cats that were being housed in our Animal Health Center’s spare cat room. First responders contained the fire, and emergency personnel, BVSPCA staff, and neighbors worked quickly to move the 98 animals (36 cats and 62 dogs) to safety.
One cat needed emergency veterinary care and is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation; three died from injuries sustained from the fire. The other animals have been relocated to temporary housing and are being examined by medical personnel.
“We’re heartbroken to have lost these lives tonight,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA Chief Executive Officer. “It could have been even worse if not for the amazing work of the first responders and all the neighbors who worked together to get the animals out safely.”
The car crash caused significant damage to the veterinary clinic and the cat wing, and the shelter portion of the building sustained water and smoke damage. The facility will be closed for an undetermined period of time, pending a building inspection and possible subsequent cleanup and repairs.
Our deepest condolences go out to Latoya Cooper’s family and her five children, who tragically lost their mother.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
The BVSPCA needs the community’s help during this crisis. Anyone who has been thinking of adopting should visit one of the other BVSPCA adoption locations and look up the animals by visiting: www.bvspca.org/adopt
PetSmart® Everyday Adoption Center
1390 N Dupont Hwy,
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: (302) 736-5260
Georgetown Campus
22918 Dupont Boulevard
Georgetown, DE 19947
Phone: (302) 856-6361
West Chester Campus
1212 Phoenixville Pike
West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: (484) 302-0865
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EVERY BIT HELPS
Consider making a donation towards the animals of our New Castle Campus and help last night become a distant memory.
