TEARS Animal Rescue needs help after fire at the premises

By TEARS Animal Rescue

Please donate: roof sheeting, money, dog beds, vibracrete walling, pavers, blankets and dog kennels

18 September 2025: In the early hours of this morning, a fire started at TEARS Animal Rescue in Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale (near Kommetjie). The fire burnt several Wendy houses the welfare organization used, as well as wooden walling and did some damage to the kennels. Thankfully, no animals or humans were harmed, and all the dogs have been treated at the onsite clinic.

The fire started in a section of the adjoining property where there are shipping containers and cars parked overnight. At 5am, TEARS Operations manager, Mandy Store, got a call that the property was on fire and called emergency services.

Store says, “I’d like to thank the Fire Brigade, City of Cape Town Fire and Traffic Services, the tow trucks and CMR who arrived so quickly to help. We are so grateful for their rapid action that prevented further damage. Without their bravery and quick action it could have been worse”

Staff and volunteers , who live close to TEARS,  jumped out of bed, rushing to TEARS in the dark of morning… not for themselves, but for the dogs.

“One of the most moving moments from this morning was seeing how some of the dogs, closest to the fire, were desperately digging at the gates — to reach safety on their own. They didn’t know that help was already racing to them, but it showed us just how much they fight for their lives, for hope and for a chance at love.”

To rebuild, the most useful donation would be money, explains Store. “We are going to replace the wooden fencing that burnt down with vibracrete walling which is much stronger so that would also be useful. We are also in need of dog kennels and dog beds to replace those that were damaged in the fire. We know this situation could have been much worse and we want to repair what was damaged with more fire-resistant material,” she says. 

“A huge thank you to everyone who was on the scene, all the people who are currently helping with the clean-up operation and to everyone who has donated or shared our social media posts. TEARS Animal Rescue operates on donations, so it is only with your help that we are able to help desperate animals in need,” she says.

Together, we can give our dogs back the safe haven they deserve.

Donate: https://tears.org.za/donate/