AIKEN (WACH) - A washing machine stopped in mid-cycle says it all. The fire at the Aiken Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was contained to the laundry room.
However, the damage was enough to cut off power to the entire facility, making it unlivable for dozens of dogs and cats all of which need homes immediately.
"There were 150 animals in the building at the time of the fire, luckily none of them were hurt," says Executive Director Gary Willoughby.
There's still no word on what caused the fire. Several kennels and foster homes are taking care of the animals until the shelter is repaired.
"We do 2,500 spay-neuter surgeries for the public every year, and that clinic is going to be down for a while", says Willoughby.
The SPCA is a non-profit organization, so they'll need donations to pay for the repairs. Those repairs could take several months.
"Fortunately from a timing standpoint this coming weekend our local PetSmart in Aiken is having it's big adoptathon so we'll be bringing a vast majority of these animals there so people can see them in person."
To fast track the adoption process, Willoughby says the SPCA is reducing the application fee to $25.
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