Sunbury family house burns to ground, claiming lives of pets
A tragic house fire in a Sunbury home has claimed the lives of furry friends, with the community rallying together to support the surviving pets.
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Dogs and pups meant for breeding, as well as three pet cats, have been caught in a house as it burned to the ground.
A Sunbury family, who are “dedicated” registered dog breeders, were working on their poodle pen away from their house when the horrifying inferno started in the two-storey house on Stockwell Dr about 6.20pm on November 23.
Fireys managed to evacuate all dogs to safety, however one 13-year-old poodle did not survive.
Two of the cats also escaped but it’s believed the third perished in the flames.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said a number of dogs had already been evacuated from the house before crews arrived.
“Some of these dogs were believed to be for commercial breeding. Others were pets which belonged to the occupants,” he said.
Melbourne Street Cat Project co-ordinator Ebony has organised an online fundraising page on behalf of the family after they “lost everything” in a house fire “in the blink of an eye”.
“Our hearts are heavy as one of our own foster carers witnessed their neighbour’s home burn to the ground, engulfed in flames,” she wrote.
“The authorities swiftly came to the rescue, evacuating the dogs to safety … firefighters, despite their valiant efforts, couldn’t reach the cats in time.”
GoFundMe has raised more than double its $3500 target for food supplies, beds, blankets, and toys for the surviving cats and dogs.
A vet checked every dog to ensure they weren’t suffering from burns or smoke inhalation.
“We met some of the dogs, who are safely and happily living on another property while the family get their ducks in a row,” Melbourne Street Cat Project shared on social media.
“Everyone in the family is doing as well as they can, and they are working hard to make sure that the dogs and cats have everything they need.”
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