VIDEO: Fatal Fire at New York Cat Rescue. Here’s How to Help

Tragedy stuck this week at a New York rescue that not only claimed the lives of countless cats, but the life if its founder, who was said to have perished after he returned into the burning building to save more of his animals.

With surviving cats left injured and without a home, other rescue agencies have stepped in to assist. There are multiple ways the public can help as well.

Fire at Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, NY

Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, NY describes themselves as a "non-profit no-kill cat adoption agency [specializing] in the rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk cats". The sanctuary also stood apart from other organizations in the way they sheltered their animals:

Most shelters in the United States keep their rescues in cages or tiny rooms until they are either adopted or euthanized... Happy Cat Sanctuary [is] a safe, natural alternative to shelters, where a domesticated cat can live out the rest of his/her life without being stuck in a cage or tiny interior room

Happy Cat Sanctuary's founder, Chris Arsenault, had announced plans in 2024 to move the sanctuary from their current facility on Long Island to a larger property in upstate New York (below). The transition was already underway when fire broke out at the original location.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, the facts remain that Chris Arsenault, as well as an undetermined number of cats, lost their lives in the blaze. Help is being sought to both fundraise as well as provide shelter for the surviving animals.

Currently, Strong Island Animal Rescue is caring for many of the injured animals and is accepting donations towards their care here. There has also been a Facebook group  created to reunite microchipped cats with their previous owners. Donations can be made directly to Happy Cat Sanctuary here.

Chris is remembered as a selfless animal lover who devoted the last two decades to the rescue of cats that others deemed beyond help. As one commenter said on Happy Cat Sanctuary's Facebook page, "You're always setting the bar high, you never settle for mediocrity, [and] your hard work is exceptionally stellar!".

Get our free mobile app