Chappell animal shelter faces fire aftermath
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - Nebraska Loves Cats in Chappell, Neb. is working towards creating a new start after a fire caused by a pillow in the dryer resulted in the loss of their building and over 40 cats. While the fire department arrived quickly to put out the fire, Michelle Tynan, Co-Founder of Nebraska Loves Cats, said she wishes she could have done more.
“I wish I had gotten to that window just because it was still back there and I know it would’ve spread faster but their would’ve been more animals saved that way,” said Tynan.
Neighbors say they are thankful the fire department stepped in, preventing the fire from spreading to their homes.
“I know that it can be scary in emergency situations and time seems to take forever but it was the middle of the night and they were very quick very efficient and got right on that. I think that’s what saved our house,” said neighbor, Katelin Riley.
Police restrained Tynan to keep her away from the fire. She says she got on the ground to attempt to get some animals before getting out of the building.
“Beautiful animals that we celebrated and loved and had personalities and were one in a million. They’re all gone,” said Tynan.
Michelle said she was prosecuted for a pet limit ordinance, stating her limit was to be five cats and she had over 40. Since then the state inspected her property and gave her her license. Now she plans to use funds donated for pet care and rebuilding Nebraska Loves Cats. Of the cats survived, a couple are in burn care, six kittens in North Platte, and A couple at her mothers farm.
