2 cats killed after fire breaks out in East Hollywood pet business
Two cats were killed after a fire broke out at an East Hollywood pet business.
"It's really sad," said witness Marie McCune. "It's really sad."
The Los Angeles Fire Department said that the fire broke out at about 6:15 p.m. at "Pet Joy" located on the 800 block of N. Virgil Avenue. LAFD said that there were no smoke alarms or sprinklers but they are not required. On Thursday, investigators said they believe the cause of the fire was electrical.
While 38 firefighters were able to extinguish the fire in 25 minutes, two cats died. Firefighters rescued another 14 pets from the building. The nine dogs and three cats were exposed to smoke and were being treated with oxygen masks.
"After the fire was knocked down we quickly removed nine K9s and three felines," said LAFD Battalion Chief Tim Lambert. "[We] transitioned to giving resuscitative measures to these animals."
The Department of Animal Services was en route to provide additional care and support.
No humans were injured.
McCune said that had visited the store said she had never seen any pets in the store before. She also said that a worker told her the store did not groom animals and only sold toys as well as other accessories.
"It all began this year," said next-door business owner Yvette Alulema.
Alulema had concerns about the business after one of her customers said she was taking her dog to "Pet Joy" for a surgical procedure. Alulema added that the customer said the procedure would cost $5000.
Concerned, she called LA animal services but said nothing was done.
The owners refused to speak with CBSLA.
