Happy Cat Sanctuary Owner and multiple cats killed in fire at animal sanctuary on Long Island
- Billy Fo Yui Chu
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
The HAPPY CAT SANCTUARY, located at Dourland Road in Long Island, experienced a house fire at approximately 7:15 a.m. on March 31, 2025. The owner and founder, CHRISTOPHER ARSENAULT, tragically lost his life while attempting to save his cherished cats from the blaze. According to Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross, up to 158 cats perished in the fire, and there may have been as many as 400 cats residing on the property and in the home at the time of the incident.
Arsenault, a retired NJ Transit conductor, established the cat sanctuary in 2006 following the loss of his 24-year-old son in a motorcycle accident. “After my son died, those cats gave me something to do,” Arsenault shared with the Daily Mail in 2018. Over the past 19 years, his sanctuary turned into a vital refuge for hundreds of cats that were abandoned or abused, or those with no where else to go. The Suffolk County SPCA, along with several local rescue organizations, are currently assisting in the care of the surviving animals and finding homes for those still in need.
Our deepest condolences go out to the courageous hero who sacrificed everything for the lives he cherished. Christopher not only rescued lives but also restored hope. His act of love in the face of danger shows a heart that never fades; it endures. May he rest in peace.
Ways to help (RE-POSTING from Happy Cat Santuary) -
The Board of Directors of Happy Cat Sanctuary is most appreciative of any and all fundraising efforts being made to help us recover from this horrific loss.
We have over 200 cats that are still being secured and will need vetting, vaccinating, and rescues to step up and help us secure them. Please donate anything you can. We are absolutely devastated and distraught over the loss of Chris and the sanctuary.
Donate to Support Happy Cat Sanctuary After Tragic Fire, organized by Lisa Jaeger
To donate by mail- Check made out to:
Happy Cat Inc.
PO Box 688,
Coram NY 11727
or
GoFundMe LINK ,
Deepest condolences for CHRISTOPHER ARSENAULT, the owner and founder, a dedicated volunteer and rescuer loved by many.
Their official site:
p.s.
Please visit their official website to make a donation. LIVolunteers is simply sharing their links to help. No funds should be sent to us or to any unofficial sources.
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