Long Island, NY – A devastating fire tore through the Happy Cat Sanctuary on Monday morning, claiming the life of its dedicated owner, Chris Arsenault, and an unknown number of cats that called the sanctuary home.
The blaze ignited around 7:15 a.m. at the Dourland Road property, which served as a safe haven for hundreds of rescued cats. Emergency responders arrived to find the home engulfed in flames. Authorities later discovered Arsenault, 65, deceased on the main floor at the back of his residence.
A Hero’s Final Act
Arsenault, described by friends as selfless and deeply devoted to his mission, is believed to have run back into the burning structure in a desperate attempt to save the animals.
“This man lived in an 8×10-foot bedroom with a mini fridge and a microwave,” said Lisa Jaeger, a close friend. “Every dime he made, everything he collected went toward the animals. He was selfless. He took nothing for himself. This is just so unfair.”
Rescue teams have recovered approximately 100 cats so far, both deceased and alive, and are continuing efforts to locate and aid any remaining animals.
A Life Dedicated to Rescuing Cats
Arsenault’s passion for animal rescue began in 2006, following the tragic death of his 24-year-old son in a motorcycle crash. In the years since, he transformed his home into a sanctuary, offering abandoned and abused cats a second chance at life.
“If you go back to some of the videos, the cats are crawling on him,” said Ellen Pavlakis, another friend. “They were happy. It was a great place for them—safe, until this happened.”
The Animal Rescue Community Mourns
The loss has sent shockwaves through the local animal rescue community, with fellow advocates expressing their grief and admiration for Arsenault’s tireless work.
“We all knew Chris for many years,” said John Spat, director of Animal Protection Service. “If he needed help, he would call our agency. If we needed help, we would call his agency. That’s how Long Island works with the animal rescues—we all work together.”
Spat described Arsenault as irreplaceable, adding, “There’s not going to be another Chris, ever, who does this. All we can do is try to recover what he was trying to do and move forward.”
Ongoing Efforts and Investigation
The Suffolk County SPCA and multiple local rescue groups are currently assisting in the rescue and rehabilitation of surviving cats. The exact number of animals affected remains uncertain as the search continues.
Meanwhile, fire investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze, though no official findings have been released.
Arsenault’s tragic passing leaves behind a legacy of compassion and unwavering dedication to the animals he loved. As the community grieves, many are calling for efforts to continue his mission—ensuring that the sanctuary he built will not be forgotten.