(This story was updated to add new information.)
Flash flooding June 24 closed a downtown Green Bay pet sanctuary after its roof collapsed.
Over 40 cats were rescued from Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary after the roof caved in during a June 24 storm, but one cat is missing.
Around 6:30 p.m., 22 firefighters responded to the collapse, which was caused by water that accumulated from the storm. Volunteers showed up to Safe Haven to emergency foster and evacuate the cats from the building.
One cat goes missing; pet sanctuary asks for public’s help
Pet sanctuary staff and volunteers were able to collect medications, supplies, and rescue 44 of the 45 cats. The animals were passed off in carriers and bins to vehicles in the parking lot.
On June 25, Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary posted to its Facebook page that it is trying to locate one of the cats, Audra, who ran upstairs while the animals were being removed. Anyone who spots her should message the pet sanctuary on Facebook or email safehavenpetsanctuary@gmail.com.
No animals or people were injured, according to Green Bay Metro Fire Department.
Safe Haven said most of the 44 rescued cats are staying at nearby businesses, including Animal House Green Bay, Oak View Veterinary Hospital and Safe Haven Hope Center homeless shelter. The cats were or will be placed into foster care.
Building condemned; pet sanctuary looks for new space
In a 2 p.m. update June 25, Safe Haven said the building was deemed condemned and the pet sanctuary will not be able to return.
Safe Haven is looking for a new property to move into. A GoFundMe fundraiser was created to raise $16,000 to purchase a new building.
Safe Haven is asking people not to call the sanctuary, but to contact them on Facebook instead.
How to help Safe Haven
Safe Haven is accepting monetary donations or items, but they cannot be dropped off at the North Broadway building. Safe Haven is asking for non-scented clumping cat litter, Friskies wet food, Purina indoor dry food, Rescue spray and wipes, bleach, potty pads, and unscented baby wipes from its wishlist.
Dropoff locations are at the following sites:
Online donations to Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary can be made at www.safehavenpet.org/donate.
Contact Benita Mathew at bmathew@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary building condemned after roof collapse
Reporting by Benita Mathew, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Benita Mathew, Green Bay Press-Gazette | USA TODAY Network
