By Georgie Docker

Copyright manchestereveningnews

As she walks through Manchester Dogs’ Home, Anna Stansfield pauses outside the place where the former kennels were. On that night in September 2014, after the roar of the flames had died down and the billowing black smoke finally cleared, charred debris was all that remained behind the warped metal bars of the shelters that once promised safety. For over a century, the site had been a sanctuary, a place where trust was rebuilt and brighter futures were given to abandoned dogs. But in a matter of hours, the place that had been a home became the site where 60 dogs faced their final, frightened moments, trapped and helpless against the blaze. “No one has been brought to justice. 11 years have passed, and there is no real closure for us and for the dogs we lost.” “What’s really heart-wrenching for us is that, because it’s never been resolved, that person could be walking around our dogs’ home as a member of the public,” she said. “To not have closure, and to not know if that person walks among us in opening times is very concerning.” The fire broke out at around 7pm on 11 September 2014. Flames tore through the shelter’s adoption block, gutting the timber-roofed kennels. Black smoke billowed thick into the sky. Staff and volunteers rushed to the scene, desperate to save the dogs trapped inside. Colin Balance, a member of staff who lived on-site, was the first to raise the alarm after his teenage daughter saw the fire from her bedroom window overlooking the adoption block. Despite their efforts, many dogs could not be rescued. The quiet that followed was haunting. “The dogs were silent. They all came out quietly. Just by remembering it, I can see it now. It is still very raw for everyone who was there that night.” The charred remains were all that was left behind the twisted metal bars, the shelters once filled with wagging tails and hopeful eyes reduced to ashes. The fire devastated Manchester Dogs’ Home, but the community’s response was immediate and extraordinary. Within hours, hundreds of people arrived at the scene, bringing dog beds, food, and supplies. Local churches opened their doors as donation centres, and children showed their compassion by donating their pocket money. Central to this wave of support was a fundraiser launched by the Manchester Evening News. In just 24 hours, the campaign raised an astonishing £1 million. Over time, donations poured in from across the UK and 47 other countries worldwide, pushing the total beyond £2 million. The fundraiser became a beacon of hope amid heartbreak, enabling the rescue centre not only to rebuild but to expand. Celebrities such as Simon Cowell, Ricky Gervais, and footballer Mario Balotelli lent their voices to the campaign, helping to maintain public focus on the tragedy and the urgent need to support the shelter. Anna Stansfield reflects on this generosity: “They died, and from the love and support we were shown we have this. It has changed the lives of all the dogs we have had since.” Thanks to the extraordinary support, Manchester Dogs’ Home reopened in February 2016 with new facilities. The adoption block was rebuilt with room for more dogs, complete with new play areas and a dedicated adoption centre. But for the staff who lived through that night, the new building is a bittersweet reminder of lives lost. “I love this place. It has been my life for 20 years. It can be hard work, but it’s an incredible place. And most of that – I hate to say – is built from the outpour of support we received [following the incident].” Still, the lack of justice weighs heavily on those who carry the memories. “For me, that person walked among the dogs that perished that night. They knew exactly what they were doing and it was calculated.” In the days after the fire, two teenage boys were arrested. Their identities were never revealed to the public, protected due to their age and because no charges were brought. In December 2014, police announced the teenagers would not be charged. This was the last major update from Greater Manchester Police . CCTV footage from the night was lost when the building burned. Since then, no new suspects have been identified, and staff say they have received no further updates. The open nature of the case leaves a lingering fear. “I don’t know if the case was ever officially closed,” Anna said. “But it’s an unsolved crime. And it should be treated like a crime – it was horrendous.” The arrests sparked a frenzy of online activity. Social media groups formed to identify the suspects, and hate campaigns targeted them despite their protected status. Police urged the public to avoid speculation, but abuse and harassment spread rapidly. The resulting silence from the authorities left many frustrated. Eleven years on, the wounds remain raw. Despite the pain, the home’s staff continue their mission, caring for thousands of dogs each year. The tragedy has left an indelible mark on Manchester Dogs’ Home, a place rebuilt from ashes but still haunted by loss.