Dozens of animals perished in a blaze that tore through a pet shop in Sheerness, Kent, on Tuesday evening. Six fire engines responded to the fire at Cuddles n Bubbles on the high street after pedestrians spotted smoke through the windows around 5pm.
Firefighters remained at the scene until after 9pm, using hose reel jets and smoke curtains to prevent the fire from spreading. Kent Wildlife Rescue Service rescued some animals that were still breathing and provided them with oxygen, but almost all small birds, including finches, were lost.
Lorraine St John of the Kent Wildlife Rescue Service said: 'We've managed to get out some animals that were alive. We think we've lost all the small birds, like the finches.' It remains unclear which other animals perished; the shop also kept tortoises, guinea pigs, rabbits, budgies, rats, and a blue-tongued skink.
A witness reported that an African grey parrot, along with rabbits and rodents, died. Many onlookers were in tears, including staff members. Ms St John noted that rescued animals 'perked up' after receiving oxygen and are now being cared for by the rescue service. Police also attended the scene.
Ms St John described the incident as 'incredibly sad' but emphasised it was not a case of neglect. Cuddles n Bubbles sells exotic pets, fish, and traditional pet supplies.
