About 140 pets died from smoke inhalation after the Durham Humane Society caught fire early Wednesday morning.

Oshawa firefighters were called at about 2:30 a.m. and arrived to find the front of the Waterloo Street building fully engulfed in flames.

They were only able to rescue nine dogs and two cats, which were kept in police vehicles until the Oshawa Animal Services workers arrived to take care of them. About 140 cats died, as did three dogs.

The surviving animals are currently being looked after at the Oshawa Animal Services Clinic.

Damage to the building is extensive, estimated at about $250,000. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520 or Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Want to help out? There are four ways:


1. Donate to the OSPCA

  • 1.888.ONT.SPCA

2. Donate to their website.

3. Donate to Service Oshawa.

  • 1.800.667.4292

4. Donate to Scotiabanks's Oshawa main branch.

  • Account #80762 002 01000 13

If you donate at any other Scotiabank branch make sure that all donations are directed to the Oshawa Main Branch.