A tragedy struck the community of Medford, Long Island, yesterday. A devastating fire engulfed the Happy Cat Sanctuary, claiming the life of its founder, Chris Arsenault, along with over a hundred of his beloved cats.
The 65-year-old was known for his unwavering dedication to rescuing felines. In 2006, after the tragic death of his only son in a motorcycle accident, he decided to create the shelter to provide a safe haven for abandoned animals.
According to witnesses, in an act of great bravery, Arsenault tried to make his way through the flames to rescue as many cats as possible but was unable to save himself. His lifeless body was later found on the main floor of the building.
Local officials have confirmed that so far, around a hundred victims have been recovered, but the total number of animal fatalities is expected to rise. The Suffolk County SPCA, along with nearby shelters, is taking in the approximately 200 surviving animals.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign has been launched on social media to support rescue and aid operations, alongside calls to raise awareness about adoption.
John Spat, director of the Long Island Animal Protection Service, told ABC7 New York that the only thing left to do now is to carry on Arsenault’s mission and support the project so that his work can continue.
As investigations continue to determine the cause of the fire, residents have come together to honor the memory of a man who devoted his life to the welfare of animals.
