A dozen cats missing after New Westminster apartment fire

A fire at Pinecrest Manor in New Westminster, British Columbia, has left about 100 residents displaced and 12 cats still missing, according to people involved in the search. Michael Poetker said he tried to rescue his neighbour’s cats and then searched for his own pets after the July 10 fire. He managed to get two of his cats out, but a third cat, Honey, ran off after being handed through a window by a firefighter. Local volunteers, including the Scent Rescue Team, the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association and Pets Reunite, are helping residents look for the missing animals. The group is using posters, community tips and a tracking dog named Ellie to search the area around the building and nearby debris. Veterinarian Emilia Wong Gordon said cats that are frightened by smoke and loud noises often hide close by, which is why searchers are focusing on dawn and dusk and asking people with familiar voices to call for them. The community says it has continued checking the area and sharing updates as the search goes on.