A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire broke out at Manchester Dogs' Home in Moss Brook Road in Harpurhey at around 7pm on Thursday 11 September 2014.
Up to 60 dogs are reported to have died in the blaze. Firefighters have rescued more than 150 dogs.
"The dogs that were lost tonight were not just strays in a kennel, they were the dogs that they cared for and helped to rehabilitate and had hopes of seeing them into their new homes."
The supect taken in by police is reported to be 15-year-old boy.
Over £500k in donations have already been donated to the home from dog lovers across the world (you can donate by text by sending MDOG57 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070).
Superintendent Marcus Noden said: “We are working closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to establish how this tragedy has occurred. We are in the very early stages of the investigation and have a young boy in custody, however we would ask if anyone was in the area and remembers seeing anything suspicious around the dogs' home that they call police and tell us what they know.
“As a dog owner myself I understand that many people will feel angry and upset about what has happened, but I would ask that they let the police carry out their investigations and not take matters into their own hands.
“We have received an overwhelming response from the public and would ask if anyone wants to help they can make donations of food or bedding to North Manchester divisional headquarters on Northampton Road in Newton Heath.”
60 dogs were killed in the blaze
The Dog's Home have released this statement:
"The staff and volunteers at Manchester & Cheshire Dogs' Home worked tirelessly through the evening to get as many dogs as possible to safety. With the help of the fire service and police we were able to save approx 150 dogs. Sadly we have lost approximately 60 to the fire.
"The local community has rallied around us and a drop off point for donations has been designated at Christchurch on Water Street, Harpurhey. Food and blankets are our main need at the moment.
"We owe a great thanks to Animal Wardens, Dogs Trust Manchester, Pennine Pen and Numerous RSPCA inspectors for their assistance in transport to other kennels for the dogs that survived, there are too many individuals to thank by name.
"Avenue Street vets attended to provide vet care in conjunction with our vet team to any injured dogs.
"Thank you must also go to all you dog people on facebook that helped to share our situation around the world and already we are on our way to seeing financial donations come in to help us rebuild.
"Our staff and volunteers that had to enter the premises to rescue the live dogs will never be able to put this horrific event behind them. The dogs that were lost tonight were not just strays in a kennel, they were the dogs that they cared for and helped to rehabilitate and had hopes of seeing them into their new homes.
"Manchester Dogs Home will begin to move forward tomorrow morning and we will need your help and support to enable us to achieve this, so I will thank you in advance for your support."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
