Boy, 14, arrested for arson after 43 animals killed in dogs’ home fire

Forty-three dogs have died in a fire at a Manchester Dogs’ Home and a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson. Greater Manchester Police said that more than 20 firefighters battled the blaze at the Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home, in Harpurhey but confirmed dozens of dogs had been killed and this number could yet rise. Anna Stansfield, manager of the home, described the blaze as “soul destroying” and added all 150 rescued dogs would be transferred to its site in Warrington. She added: “We are so grateful to the people of Manchester and Greater Manchester who came to support us.”

I cannot describe what we have seen. It’s soul destroying.

Anna Stansfield, Cheshire Dogs’ Home manager

Two dog lovers risked their lives to run into the blaze and rescue 20 animals. Jason Dyer, 41, and nephew Dean Rostock, 25, jumped over the fence after hearing dogs barking in panic. Dyer said: “All the windows of where the dogs are advertised for sale were blown out and the ceiling had collapsed. We ran into the bit that was on fire but couldn’t get those dogs out. We went to the other kennels and began kicking out the doors. We just wanted to get them out.” A JustGiving page has so far raised almost £200,000 to provide care for the animals.

This place is part of our childhoods. We both have dogs and love dogs - of course we are going to run in there. We just wanted to make sure as many as possible would be okay.

Jason Dyer who rescued 20 dogs along with his nephew Dean Rostock

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