It’s the kind of call that makes your stomach drop. ‘TEARS is on fire.’ But what matters most is that every single dog made it out safely, and they’re already rebuilding.
Cape Town, South Africa (18 September 2025) – In the early hours of Thursday morning, a fire tore through part of TEARS Animal Rescue. Staff rushed out of bed at 5 am, making frantic calls and racing to the rescue centre in the dark to reach the dogs who had no idea what was happening around them.
According to the shelter, the fire had broken out next door, where several businesses are based in shipping containers.
It was chaos and devastation. Some of the dogs, terrified, were seen trying to dig their way out of their kennels, desperate to reach safety from the fire that was rapidly spreading.
Thankfully, thanks to TEARS’ team, volunteers, and the swift response of the City of Cape Town Fire Services, every single dog made it out alive.
While many are being treated for smoke inhalation and stress, they are safe, and that’s the silver lining in what could have been a much darker day.
But the fire destroyed several Wendy houses, the small wooden shelters that give dogs a warm, secure space while they wait for their forever families. It was a gut punch for the TEARS team, who pour their hearts into giving every rescue dog a sense of home.
View this post on Instagram
TEARS has been a lifeline for animals for years. Rescuing strays, treating the sick, finding homes for the abandoned, and never giving up on seniors or feral animals who need a second chance.
Their kennels and Wendy houses were temporary homes filled with hope while dogs waited for their forever families. And that’s what makes this fire such a blow. Several of those Wendy houses were destroyed, leaving the team with the urgent task of rebuilding.
And yet, in true South African spirit, the community has showed up.
Within hours of the appeal for help, donations began flooding in. Not just money, but the very things needed to start rebuilding. Piles of bricks, roofing sheets, timber, carpets, bowls, blankets, food, and carriers have already been dropped off at the shelter.
What could have ended in tragedy has instead turned into a reminder of just how much good there still is in the world. Every dog is safe. And thanks to neighbours, strangers, and big-hearted supporters, the rebuild is already underway.
TEARS is calling on anyone who can to keep the momentum going. Every bit helps give these dogs back the safe space they truly deserve.
Donate by following this link.
by 