A car crashed into our New Castle Campus causing significant damage and started a fire that claimed the lives of three cats. Now more than ever we need the community's support for our four legged companions!
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We’re so proud to report that we’ve re-opened for adoptions AND clinic services! We “soft” opened two weeks ago, and everything has been running pretty smoothly. That was just two weeks after the fire for us to re-start adoptions thanks to the amazing efforts by our vendors and staff. We did have to improvise a little on clinic services since the clinic is gutted and needs to be rebuilt. (You can see here there’s much work to be done.) We repurposed other parts of the shelter so we can continue those services. There’s still much work to be done with rebuilding, but we’re back on track thanks to your support!
NEW CASTLE, DE (July 9, 2017) – Fire broke out at the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) New Castle Campus at approximately 12:15am after a vehicle crashed into the building. First responders contained the fire, and emergency personnel, BVSPCA staff, and neighbors worked quickly to move 100 animals to safety.
Two cats needed emergency veterinary care; one died from its injuries, and the other is being treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Two other cats lost their lives in the fire. The other animals have been relocated to temporary housing and are being examined by medical personnel. A total of 98 animals were moved to other locations, 36 cats and 62 dogs.
“We’re heartbroken to have lost these lives tonight,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA Chief Executive Officer. “It could have been even worse if not for the amazing work of the first responders and all the neighbors who worked together to get the animals out safely.”
The car crash caused significant damage to the veterinary clinic portion of the building. The shelter portion of the building sustained water and smoke damage. The facility will be closed for an undetermined period of time, pending a building inspection and possible subsequent cleanup and repairs.
How You Can Help!
Anyone who has been thinking of adopting should visit one of the other BVSPCA adoption locations: the Georgetown, DE, Campus; the PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center in Dover, DE; or the West Chester, PA. Campus, Sunday hours are 10am to 5pm.
You can also help us recover from this tragedy by making a donation to our animals, they have been through a lot during their time on this earth. We need to make this a distant memory and replace it with a loving home and unparalleled support.
Since the damage was significant, we will be rerouting our phones so please be patient with us until then.
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We’re so proud to report that we’ve re-opened for adoptions AND clinic services! We “soft” opened two weeks ago, and everything has been running pretty smoothly. That was just two weeks after the fire for us to re-start adoptions thanks to the amazing efforts by our vendors and staff. We did have to improvise a little on clinic services since the clinic is gutted and needs to be rebuilt. (You can see here there’s much work to be done.) We repurposed other parts of the shelter so we can continue those services. There’s still much work to be done with rebuilding, but we’re back on track thanks to your support!
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Much has happened in a little over a week since the fire. We were heartbroken to lose Harmony, the cat hospitalized in critical condition following the fire (shown here). She fought hard for four days but lost her battle in the care of the best and kindest medical team she could have. That brought our losses to four little lives. They will be in our hearts forever.
In better news, many of the 98 rescued animals have found homes. We also started rebuilding the day of the fire and haven't slowed down since. Cleanup and repair in the adoption areas are well underway, and our clinic has been gutted and framed for its rebuild.
But the most amazing thing has been the outpouring of support from so many folks like you who want to help us get back on our feet so we can continue to serve all the animals who depend on our New Castle Campus. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We're looking forward to reopening very soon.
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