Posters pleading for information about cats that are missing or lost have gone up on the security fencing surrounding a pile of charred debris where an apartment building used to stand in New Westminster, B.C. A fire broke out at the low-rise on July 10—forcing an evacuation during which some residents were rescued from balconies of the burning building by firefighters who set up ground ladders outside the building. The structure was demolished two days later. But some of the people who lost their homes are still searching for their pets. In an update Friday, the City of New Westminster said the fire department and municipal animal services had found two cats and returned them to their owners—and that the hope is to facilitate more rescues and reunions. “The city has received reports of additional cats in the area,” a statement from the city said. “While the site remains restricted for staff and crews due to hazardous conditions, the security fencing does not prevent cats from moving in and out, so rescue efforts are currently focused on the vicinity of the site and the surrounding neighbourhood.” The site itself is too dangerous to search, but animal services staff said they are patrolling the surrounding area to search for the animals. Feeding stations have been set up, and a non-profit has also stepped in to help by setting up cameras and humane traps. “We know how difficult it is to wait for news about a missing pet,” said Kathryn Holm, with the City of New Westminster. “Cats are incredibly resilient and often return to places that are familiar to them. Every report we receive helps build a clearer picture of where these cats are moving and helps focus our response.” Anyone who has information that can help with the search is urged to call New Westminster Animal Services at 604-519-2008.
