Freiburg animal shelter struggles to rebuild after devastating fire!

Freiburg animal shelter struggles to rebuild after devastating fire!

A fiery nightmare shook the animal shelter in Freiburg-Lehen on New Year's Day 2025 and still leaves its mark today. A left-on stove was the cause of the devastating fire, which devastated numerous areas of the facility. The feed kitchen, office space and even the birdhouse have been extensively damaged and the emotional impact is being felt across the team. Fortunately, the 60 cats in a separate area were not affected, but the fate was tragic for other animals: 40 birds, including 37 animals from the aviary, and several baby hedgehogs could not be saved. Only three birds survived the inferno, which also destroyed dog food and medicine.

As Tagesschau reports, the financial damage amounts to around one million euros, a large part of which is covered by insurance. But the road back to normality will take a long time. The animal shelter is currently operating in emergency mode, while intensive care and support for the remaining animals has top priority. The cleanup work can get off to a slow start as investigators are still waiting for the destroyed part of the building to be released.

Help and support

Reporting on the fire sparked a wave of solidarity. According to the Freiburg Weekly Report, over 34,000 euros in donations have been collected so far, with animal lovers now urgently asking for further financial help. Donations can be made easily and securely via various channels, including IBAN: DE64 3702 0500 0008 7736 00 and PayPal.

Particularly interesting is the support from animal protection organizations, which not only provide financial resources but also help with the creation of fire protection regulations. Dog and cat food emphasizes how important effective fire protection measures are in animal shelters. This includes regular staff training and thorough risk assessments to ensure animal welfare. Ultimately, it's about creating a safe environment for the animals in need of protection and preventing future disasters.

Reconstruction and future outlook

Rebuilding the shelter is expected to take at least six to nine months. The first necessary steps, such as covering the roof by the technical relief agency, are already in full swing. Not only structural measures are planned for the coming months, but also new safety concepts to minimize risks and ensure the safety of the animals. All employees are required to actively participate in the training in order to be made aware of possible dangers.

The pain of the loss of the animals and the destruction is profound for the entire team. The grief and the open questions about “why” are part of the healing process. Nevertheless, the tireless efforts of the helpers and the active support of the community will inevitably contribute to the animal shelter once again becoming a place of protection and refuge for our four-legged friends. Because if one thing is clear: there cannot and must be no compromises on safety for the animals.