Overview

• The fire broke out on March 31, 2025, at Happy Cat Sanctuary in Medford, Long Island, killing Christopher Arsenault and over 100 cats, while many others survived with injuries.
• Arsenault, 65, died attempting to save cats from the fire, which destroyed the sanctuary he founded in 2006 after the tragic loss of his son.
• Homicide and arson detectives are investigating the cause of the fire, with pending district court actions against the sanctuary adding complexity to the case.
• Local animal rescue groups are working to secure and care for the surviving cats, many of whom are injured, and are seeking foster homes and donations.
• Arsenault was in the process of building a new sanctuary on 30 acres in upstate New York to expand his rescue efforts, a dream he did not live to see fulfilled.