Officials are investigating a possible arson at the Animal Coalition of Tampa.
According to Tampa Fire Rescue, crews responded to the Animal Coalition of Tampa, located at 502 N. Gilchrist Ave., shortly before 5 a.m. The first firefighters on scene were able to quickly put out the blaze.
When they arrived, they found that three cats had died as a result of the fire. One dog was found alive, as it had apparently escaped from the fire.
Frank Hamilton, who is the president of the Animal Coalition of Tampa, was at the clinic Saturday after the fire was extinguished.
“I can’t put it into words," he said. "I could cry for you on camera, but it’s a pretty heavy burden.”
The three cats that died in the fire lived at the clinic, which Hamilton said is staffed by dedicated employees and volunteers who provide low-cost care to pet owners.
"The employees love what they are doing and they love being here," he said. "Tthey love the fact that we’re helping people, so that also is a roadblock.”
Hamilton said the clinic has had some issues lately, with two burglaries and an altercation involving a potential customer. He said investigators are aware of these incidents.
Investigators from the Fire Marshal's Office are now trying to determine the cause of the fire. Arson is suspected.
Anyone with information is asked to call 813-274-7000 or place an anonymous tip at tampagov.net/arsontips. Rewards of $2,500 or more are available for information leading to the identification of suspects involved in arson fires.