Hawkesbury City Council can confirm that late on Monday 2 November, staff and emergency services were alerted to a second fire at the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter in Mulgrave.
The fire started within the administration office space at the shelter, which was already significantly damaged by the fire in the early hours of Monday. NSW Fire and Rescue attended and extinguished the fire. No significant additional damage was done to the shelter and no animals were harmed in this second fire.
Police and staff are on site this morning conducting assessments. Staff are also continuing to maintain the high level of care to the dogs and cats at the shelter. As a precaution, security will also maintain an ongoing presence for the time being to ensure the site remains secured and the animals are safe.
Council and shelter staff are working hard to reopen the shelter to adoptions, surrenders and lost pet reclamation. We expect to make an announcement regarding the reopening shortly. Our staff have been significantly impacted by the fires, particularly with the loss of two cats and their kittens in the initial fire. Council is extremely grateful for their dedication and ongoing recovery work, and we are providing all necessary support for staff in this difficult time.
Council is also extremely appreciative for the outpouring of community support for the shelter in the wake of the two fires. At this stage, the shelter is unable to accept donations. We understand the community is eager to help and we will make an announcement soon on when and how the community can show its support.
