Fire Breaks Out At Monmouth County SPCA, 1 Cat Dies

EATONTOWN, NJ — A fire broke out at the Monmouth County SPCA Wednesday afternoon, the shelter reported. The fire started in one of the commercial dryers in the shelter's laundry room.

Shelter employees say they raced to evacuate all the animals kept there, but one cat died from smoke inhalation.

"We are saddened to report that one of our cats did not make it," the shelter wrote on their Facebook page Wednesday evening. "This kitty was in active liver failure and had ringworm — ultimately the smoke exposure was too much for him to handle. All of the other cats that were in the same ward have been evaluated and were not affected by the smoke. The loss of any animal is devastating, and our hearts are heavy with grief."

The fire broke out when SPCA vets were in the middle of operating on a dog, the shelter said. The staff and volunteers "jumped into action" to evacuate the dozens of cats and dogs from the shelter.

The fire broke out at 12:45 p.m. and there 220 animals at the shelter at the time, the Asbury Park Press reported. All of those had to be evacuated.

Firefighters and EMTs from Eatontown and Wannamassa responded in record time.

"Today was scary, it's everyone's worst nightmare here at the shelter," the shelter wrote. "We are so proud of our staff and volunteers for jumping into action to get our animals out of the building to safety — it was truly a herculean effort! Our first responders were there in minutes to get the fire under control, and to that we are so thankful."

The SPCA said their building suffered damage in the fire, including their HVAC system.

"This alone is estimated to be $17,000. We will also need to replace our commercial dryer which will be another $15,000," said the shelter.

They are currently asking for donations to help re-open via this fundraising link.

"Our animals and staff are shaken up, but everyone is okay We are thankful for our staff, volunteers, and emergency responders for reacting so quickly to this very scary situation," said the shelter on Facebook.

The shelter will be closed until the building is deemed safe to re-enter. The Monmouth County SPCA is located on Wall Street in Eatontown.

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