Target: Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa
Goal: Order a full fire-origin investigation and impose maximum penalties if negligence allegedly contributed to a blaze that endangered shelter dogs, while mandating corrective safety upgrades.
An early-morning fire swept through parts of TEARS Animal Rescue’s facility and sent staff, volunteers, and first responders racing to move dozens of dogs to safety. Every dog survived and many are receiving care for smoke inhalation and stress. Several kennel structures and temporary “Wendy houses” were destroyed as flames advanced and animals reportedly tried to dig under gates in panic.
In disasters like this, root causes matter. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustibles, or substandard structures have allegedly played roles in similar facility fires elsewhere. If any code breaches or negligent actions allegedly helped spark or spread this blaze, accountability must follow. Animals in institutional care cannot be left vulnerable to preventable hazards.
A transparent investigation can identify ignition sources, assess code compliance, and recommend safeguards. If evidence indicates negligence or safety violations allegedly contributed, responsible parties should face maximum civil or criminal consequences allowed by law, along with mandated remedial actions. The City should also require immediate audits of comparable facilities and help implement non-lethal protections like upgraded alarms, sprinkler retrofits, and safe-storage protocols. Justice for the animals includes both accountability and prevention.
PETITION LETTER:
Mayor Hill-Lewis,
A pre-dawn fire at TEARS Animal Rescue reportedly destroyed multiple kennel structures and sent dogs into visible distress before responders and volunteers moved them to safety. While no animal lives were lost, many now require treatment for smoke exposure and trauma. This outcome could have been far worse.
We respectfully urge you to direct a comprehensive, public fire-origin and safety-compliance investigation. If findings show that negligent conduct or code violations allegedly contributed to this incident’s ignition or spread, please pursue maximum penalties and require immediate corrective measures.
We further ask the City to mandate near-term safety upgrades across animal facilities, including documented electrical inspections, automatic detection and suppression where feasible, and safe-storage standards for any flammable materials. Publishing the investigation’s results and enforcement actions will deter future lapses and protect animals who cannot protect themselves.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pixabay
