‘The fire will always haunt us – but we’ll make this Christmas special’

Four years ago, Manchester Dogs’ Home was ravaged in a sickening arson attack that claimed the lives of 58 dogs. Now they’ll celebrate their first Yuletide since it was renovated

The nation was shocked when news broke of the blaze at Manchester Dogs’ Home in September 2014. Tragically, 58 dogs perished in the fire, which was started on purpose by a still-unknown arsonist.

But the public rallied, and donations poured in to help the home – including £25,000 from Simon Cowell. And this year, the newly renovated facility will be hosting its first Christmas since the attack.

Closer went along to see the new centre, which now looks after 3,000 dogs a year.

ADOPT DON’T SHOP

Steve Mapley, manager at Manchester Dogs’ Home, said, “Without the kind donations of people across the country, we wouldn’t have been able to open this state-of-the-art facility.

“We’ll be cooking a warm, healthy, festive dinner for the dogs, with all the trimmings. But while they love celebrating with us, nothing beats spending this time of year with a family of their own.

“My Christmas wish is for all of our brilliant dogs to find their ‘furever’ homes. People shouldn’t give up on rescue dogs – they’ve got so much love to give. And I urge prospective pet owners to adopt, not shop, this Christmas.”

The original Manchester Dogs’ Home had been taking in abandoned animals since 1893, and was beloved by the local community. But on the night of 11 September 2014, a blaze broke out. Steve remembers, “I was at home when I got a call to say that there was a fire. I jumped in my car and just prayed that it was small and could be contained.

“But when I got there, the police and fire brigade showed me the kennels – they were crumbling under the flames. It was horrifying.

BURNING BUILDING

“The entire adoption wing was razed to the ground – all that was left was the wing that housed the stray dogs.

“Volunteers had joined the fire brigade and were entering the burning buildings to bring the dogs to safety.”

Steve says his attention immediately turned to the dogs. He recalls, “It was strange. None of the rescued dogs were barking – they were just sat, waiting for their friends still in the kennels to be rescued. It broke my heart knowing that many wouldn’t make it.”

While Steve and his team mourned the dogs they lost, the police launched an investigation into the fire. Steve says, “It soon became clear that it was an arson attack.

“Everyone was stunned that someone could be evil enough to wish harm upon such innocent, kind animals who just wanted a loving home.

“As months passed, we were desperate to see the criminals who cost 58 dogs their lives face justice, but no

WHO COULD BE EVIL ENOUGH TO WISH HARM ON ANIMALS WHO JUST WANT A HOME?

culprits were found.”

The shocking fire made headlines, and dog lovers from around the country shared

Steve and the team’s pain. Donations streamed in, and soon totalled £2million.

Steve says that every donation was crucial to saving the home – no matter what size.

He says, “The big donations, like the one we received from Simon Cowell, were amazing. But so was every other offering from the community.

“In one of Manchester’s poorest areas, the community showed how generous they were. Elderly ladies offered blankets off their beds, and children donated their pocket money.”

Thanks to these donations, the home underwent a £2m repair and renovation. Its old Victorian buildings have been replaced with five state of-theart kennel blocks. There’s a new adoption centre with separate sleep and play areas for every dog, as well as under-floor heating for the colder months.

DREAM COME TRUE

Steve says, “It’s taken a long time for us to reopen. There was legal and insurance paperwork to go through before we could even start the building work.

“But we found space to look after the dogs and officially opened our doors again in September this year. It’s been a dream come true to start helping dogs in the local community again.”

And the dogs that perished in the flames will never be forgotten. A plaque that takes pride of place in the entrance foyer reads, “The tragedy that took you away, ensured you did not pass as unwanted or stray. Millions of people felt your pain and in their hearts adopted you, and there you will remain.”

Steve says, “We’ll never forget the fire or the dogs we lost. But we want to give the dogs we care for now the best Christmas ever – it’s what they deserve.”

By Bella Evennett-Watts