Cat Shelter Fire Disaster Recovery Fund

The Stop The Overpopulation of Pets (STOP) cat shelter in Mansfield, OH was destroyed by fire on January 24, 2014. Sadly, 3 cats are known to have perished in the blaze. Seven others are unaccounted for. Rescuers and firefighters were able to save 37 cats, however, many suffered smoke inhalation. All of the surviving cats were placed under veterinary care.

In addition to the fire, Mansfield was under a level 3 snow emergency and wind chill warning on the night of the fire and subsequent days after, complicating rescue efforts.

STOP is in critical need of financial help due to the unforeseen crisis that has befallen them. They need resources to cover veterinary costs for the injured cats, equipment and medication to provide for the animals ongoing care, and multiple other recovery expenses. The organization does have insurance, but costs are expected to greatly exceed coverage.

STOP is a nonprofit animal rescue organization that has been serving the Mansfield area for over 25 years. They rescue and rehabilitate cats that have found themselves in unfortunate circumstances, and the organization facilitates adoption for the animals. They also have operated a low cost spay neuter clinic for the community, however, the clinic was also affected by the fire.

Fanny, the cat in the photo above, is one of the cats who survived the fire. She is like many of the cats tended by STOP. prior to the fire, she was rescued after losing a leg to a fan belt in a car. She recovered well from the surgery, and was ready for adoption. We hope that she and her fellow feline friends recover well from the present tragedy and will soon be ready to go to her forever home.

Can you help this wonderful organization get back on its feet again? Can you help Fanny and all the other cats who are in need of extra special care at this time? Every little bit helps. Thanks so much for your generosity!

News articles about the fire:

Mansfield News Journal
Columbus Dispatch
Channel 3 Cleveland
Newsnet 5 Cleveland
Channel 19 Cleveland
Channel 10 Columbus