A 14-year-old boy is being questioned on suspicion of arson after a blaze at Manchester Dogs’ Home that killed more than 40 dogs.

Firefighters were called to the scene in Harpurhey shortly after 7pm on Thursday when a fire broke out in a kennel section.

About 150 dogs were rescued and were in the process of being moved to the charity’s sister home in Grappenhall, Cheshire.

Hundreds of residents went to the site in Moss Brook Road with dog blankets, cages and food, with some reportedly helping to save animals.

More than 30 firefighters brought the blaze under control with damage caused to about a third of the kennels.

A joint investigation by Greater Manchester police and the fire service was launched.

Superintendent Marcus Noden said: “We are in the very early stages of the investigation and have a young boy in custody, however we would ask if anyone was in the area and remembers seeing anything suspicious around the dogs’ home that they call police and tell us what they know.

“As a dog owner myself I understand that many people will feel angry and upset about what has happened but I would ask that they let the police carry out their investigations and not take matters into their own hands.

“We have received an overwhelming response from the public and would ask if anyone wants to help they can make donations of food or bedding to North Manchester divisional headquarters on Northampton Road in Newton Heath.”

Fire station commander Paul Duggan said some parts of the roof of the single-storey kennel section had collapsed and firefighters were working to ensure it was made safe before assessing the full damage.

Anna Stansfield, manager of Cheshire Dogs’ Home, described the blaze as “soul-destroying” and added all the rescued dogs would be transferred to the Cheshire site.

She said she could not comment on the circumstances of the blaze but confirmed that four members of staff were working there at the time.

“We are so grateful to the people of Manchester and Greater Manchester who have come to support us but we need to get the roads clear so we can get the dogs out.”



Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home opened in 1893 and has rehomed more than a million dogs.

The registered charity is said to care for more than 7,000 stray and unwanted dogs each year and manages to rehome 95% of them.

A surge in donations on its its JustGiving website took place in the wake of the blaze.

Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home said it was “incredibly saddened” to learn of the fire. A spokeswoman said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to all the staff and volunteers at the centre.”