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E-mail This StoryA fire destroyed one family’s home and killed about 30 dogs and cats late Monday night.
Dan Rogers, Plano’s public education coordinator, said the animals died due to smoke inhalation and heat, but not from direct flames.
“There were no animals found alive,” Rogers said. “All of the animals were contained inside the structure.”
Debbie New, Plano Animal Services, said at this time Plano does not have an ordinance limiting the amount of animals a pet owner can have. However, she said a new ordinance is in the works and will include a limit on the amount of animals for which one can care.
“Every pet owner is different. I’ve seen situations where someone takes care of many animals at once, but never that many,” New said. “It’s a question of responsibility, but I would think it would be hard to take proper care for that many animals at one time.”
The Plano Fire Department responded to the 1400 block of Amherst about 9 p.m. The one-story house was engulfed in flames at one end of the house. Rogers said firefighters were able to have the fire under control in 20 minutes. He said major flame damage occurred in the bedroom and in the attic, with estimated damage being between $40,000-$60,000.
Fire investigators have not determined the cause of the fire at this time.
Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
