Fire destroys kennels at Tears Animal Rescue, but no lives lost

In the early hours of Thursday morning, September 18, a fire broke out at Tears Animal Rescue. 

The blaze started on the adjoining property, where shipping containers and cars were parked overnight, before spreading to the boundary wall and into Tears.

Flames quickly reached several Wendy houses used by the animal welfare organisation and damaged kennels on site.

By the time Tears’ operations manager, Mandy Store, received the call at around 5am and rushed to the scene, the fire had already spread to structures closest to the wall.

Staff and volunteers, many still in their pyjamas, rushed to help.

Dogs were evacuated from their kennels and moved to safety at the onsite veterinary clinic. Despite the chaos, no animals or humans were injured.

“One of the most moving moments from this morning was seeing how some of the dogs, closest to the fire, were desperately digging at the gates — to reach safety on their own,” said Ms Store.

“They didn’t know help was already racing to them, but it showed us just how much they fight for their lives and for a chance at love.”

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service arrived within minutes, along with CMR and Traffic Services.

Crews brought the fire under control by 8.10am.

City fire spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that two informal structures, three containers and three vehicles on the neighbouring property were destroyed.

“The fire was contained, and no injuries were reported,” he said.

The cause is still under investigation.

While no lives were lost, Tears says four kennels were destroyed.

“Kennels that had, just hours before, been safe havens for our dogs, were now nothing but ash and debris,” said Store.

In the aftermath, community members arrived to help clear rubble and debris.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to the community who have made such an amazing difference,” said Tinka Shapiro, Tears’ fundraising and marketing manager.

“Our supporters are awesome – especially in times of crisis and need.”

The organisation now faces the challenge of rebuilding.

It is appealing for donations of building materials such as cement, sand, blocks, poles, lumber, fire-retardant paint and vibracrete for a new wall.

They are also asking for financial contributions and for community members to consider opening their homes as foster care for dogs left without kennels.

Donations can be made online at https://tears.org.za/donate/.