Nineteen dogs died at an animal shelter in the Tver region.

A homeless animal shelter burned down in Vyshny Volochyok, Tver Oblast. Nineteen dogs died—all of them were kept in six trailers, which burned completely. Three more animals were resuscitated, but their condition remains critical.

What happened

The regional animal welfare organization "Chance to Live" reported the tragedy. According to Natalia Romanova, head of the dog-catching service, the burned trailers housed elderly, sick, and post-operative animals.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

"Right now, our first priority is to help restore and clean up the area. Secondly, we need to install a video surveillance system around the entire perimeter, as the exact cause of the fire is still unknown. It's suspected to be wiring. But knowing how shelters and animal control centers burn in Russia, arson can't be ruled out," said Natalya Romanova.

She added that the volunteers didn't have the money to hire a professional guard. In the comments, people write that the shelter hasn't had any conflicts with anyone.

Photo: public page of the organization "Chance for Life"