IN PICS: Community bands together to help fire-gutted animal shelter

Hearing hundreds of dogs barking frantically, and seeing cats scatter around in a panic while the human they call mom frantically tries to rescue her animals, is every animal lover’s worst nightmare. 

Lindie van Rooyen, owner of Purrpaws for Life shelter in Vanderbijlpark, looks after about 900 dogs and cats. The main house on the shelter’s property burnt down on Wednesday night, reports Vaal Weekblad. 

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According to Lindie, there were about 100 dogs in the house, and about 30 of them burnt to death in the fire. The shelter’s dog and cat food, which was stored in the house, was destroyed. The premises also has no water due to the fire. 

Lindie suffered light burn wounds after running back into the house to try and save her dogs. According to information received, she refused hospital treatment on Wednesday as she did not want to leave the shelter. She was treated for smoke inhalation and burn wounds on Thursday morning.

Lindie van Rooyen, the owner of the shelter, refused medical treatment, to stay and save her animals.

About 150 people from neighbouring houses and communities rushed to the scene to help Lindie. Farmers from surrounding areas brought water tankers to the scene to assist the Metsimaholo firefighters. Volunteers helped move dogs to cages away from the fire. Some of the injured dogs were taken for treatment.

ER24 paramedics helped save the injured dogs, as well as those suffering from smoke inhalation and exhaustion. Members of the public and the SPCA from Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging helped transport the dogs to volunteers able to temporarily foster them. 

Several vehicles made their way to the plot to serve as safe havens for the animals. At the gate, residents stood in queues to collect animals that needs help. There was a meeting point that was set up at the gate to record the families that were able to assist in looking after the animals. 

And among the chaos, the tragic scene of the lifeless bodies of burnt puppies and dogs lay scattered on the ground. 

The Vaal Triangle community did prove, however, that they can shoulder any disaster if they band together. 

All photos and videos were taken by Jannie du Plessis. 

Those who wish to contribute can donate the following items: 

• Lots of water
• Cat and/or dog food, which can be dropped off at the shelter’s charity shop at 29 Christiaan De Wet Street, Vanderbijlpark
• If you can foster cats or dogs, kindly contact the shelter on 083 228 8011 / 083 650 9558, or visit their Facebook page 

Funds can be donated to the following details: 

Purrpaws for Life

FNB – Three Rivers (250655)

Account number 62383715673

Updates to follow as more information is made available.

This article was translated from Afrikaans by Nica Schreuder. 

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