Animals rescued after fire breaks out in pet shop

Firefighters have spent part of Sunday morning carrying out a delicate rescue after a blaze broke out inside a pet store in Queensland’s Moreton Bay region.

Emergency crews arrived at the large shop at Kallangur, north of Brisbane, just after 3.30am, which contained all sorts of animals, including cats, ducks and both small and large dogs.

Inspector Leigh Campbell, from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service told the ABC retrieving the animals was difficult because a lot of them were in cages.

Firefighters also had to help carry out the evacuation while attempting to douse the flames.

“Crews got into action and realised very quickly there were animals inside,” Inspector Leigh Campbell said.

“Our main priority was to rescue as many animals as possible — there were no persons, but of course any life is important, and the pets became the priority.”

The animals who were rescued were quick to show their appreciation, as they cuddled up to their rescuers once safe.

However, it is believed a number of birds died and there are six cats still missing.

The fire was brought under control by about 3.55am, and its cause has not yet been determined.

Authorities have set up a crime scene as they investigate.