Animals killed as suspicious blaze razes Campbellfield pet store

The owner of a Campbellfield pet store has been left devastated by the loss of “thousands” of fish, birds and rabbits after a firebombing attack on a neighbouring store spread to his shop.

The scene in Campbellfield where a string of shops went up in flames. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

The owner of a pet shop who lost “thousands” of animals in a cruel firebombing attack has been left “totally devastated”.

Police and fire crews are probing the suspicious blaze which spread to King Pets on Mahoneys Rd in Campbellfield about 3.45am on Wednesday.

It is understood a nearby dessert and acai bar was the target of the firebombing before it spread to the pet store and neighbouring tobacco shop.

The owner of King Pets, which has been completely razed by fire, is “heartbroken” with the enormous loss of life.

No one was injured in the blaze but dozens of pets were killed. Picture: Supplied

“Hundreds of birds have all perished, thousands of fish have also perished, we have also lost rabbits,” the owner, who wished not to be named, told the Herald Sun.

“We are totally devastated and still trying to comprehend what has happened.

“It’s still a massive shock. We are heartbroken.”

It took 30 firefighters to bring the blaze under control just before 4.30am, with crews remaining at the scene as the investigation continues.

No one was injured but a community advice warning was issued for smoke in the area.

The three Mahoneys Rd shops were on Wednesday morning almost unrecognisable.

Windows had been shattered and much of the roof of the dessert joint had fallen on to the footpath.

Only 20 baby turtles and a handful of fish reportedly survived.

Detective Senior Constable Scott McCowan said the business owner was left “distraught”.

“The business owner, as expected, is on scene and is distraught, along with the neighbouring businesses. Because obviously an incident like this affects multiple persons,” he said.

The burnt-out pet store after the blaze. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Dozens of animals died in the fire. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Police suspect the neighbouring dessert store was firebombed. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said while she sympathised with the store owner, the tragedy could have been avoided.

“The Victorian Labor government rightfully banned the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops, and since then, we have continuously asked them to apply the same rules to “pocket pets”, birds and fish,” she said.

“Pet shop confinement can result in behavioural problems and health issues, it encourages impulse buying and it furthers the false narrative that small animals with specific needs are easy-to-care-for pets.

“In the worst case scenarios, it results in tragedy and unimaginable suffering like this.

“A pet store is not a place for a living animal. I hope we can learn from this tragedy to strengthen our legislation and extend our empathy beyond puppies and kittens.”

The fire brings the number of Victorian Acai and dessert shops destroyed in arson attacks to 10, with two others destroyed last week.

An ice cream parlour in Williamstown linked to the Haddara family, was targeted last Tuesday after another firebombing attack the week before.

An Acai bar in Springvale was also destroyed by fire under suspicious circumstances.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.