After a recent apartment fire at Pinecrest Manor in New Westminster, a number of beloved cats are still missing, prompting a community effort to reunite them with their owners.
Around the perimeter of the building, signs plead for information on the whereabouts of the missing felines. Despite the restricted access to the site due to safety concerns, residents and local authorities are determined to aid in the search for these beloved pets.
Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Gill expressed understanding for the anxiety of residents awaiting news about their cats, emphasizing the priority of ensuring everyone’s safety before conducting thorough searches.
Nicole and Stephanie Tolea, dedicated volunteers in the cat rescue group, are actively involved in rescue efforts using innovative methods such as using “stinky” wet cat food and thermal cameras to lure the missing cats out of hiding.
Animal Services, along with the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Service and the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association, are employing various tools like trail cameras, traps, and sheltered crates to locate and rescue the missing cats in the vicinity.
Kathryn Holm, Acting Director of Engineering and Public Works, emphasized the resilience of cats and the importance of community reports in aiding the search and rescue operations.
To help in the endeavor, the City of New Westminster urges individuals to report any sightings or information regarding missing cats to New Westminster Animal Services.