Latest news with #KingPets
Sky News AU
07-05-2025
- Sky News AU
Rabbits, fish and birds amongst dozens of animals killed after firebombing on acai cafe spreads to King Pets store in Melbourne
Dozens of animals including rabbits, fish and birds have been killed in a devastating fire after an acai cafe was struck in a suspicious blaze overnight in Melbourne's north. The firebombing took place about 3.45am on Wednesday targeting the dessert bar on Mahoneys Rd in Campbellfield before it spread to King Pets and a neighbouring tobacco shop as well. Pet store King Pets sustained major damage in the process with the owner of the store left completely "heartbroken" over the huge loss of life. 'Hundreds of birds have all perished, thousands of fish have also perished, we have also lost rabbits,' the owner told the Herald Sun. 'We are totally devastated and still trying to comprehend what has happened. 'It's still a massive shock. We are heartbroken.' Only 20 baby turtles and some Mexican walking fish survived the catastrophe. Victoria Police is currently investigating the circumstances of the fire and confirmed no one was inside at the time of the attack. The blaze was bought under control just before 4.30am with the help of about 30 firefighters with crews remaining on scene as investigations continued. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with dashcam/CCTV vision has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Countless fish, birds and rabbits tragically perish after flames from suspicious fire spread to pet store
Countless fish, bids and rabbits have perished after a suspicious fire spread to a pet store on a busy strip in Melbourne. The heartbroken owner of King Pets on Mahoneys Road in Campbellfield, in the city's north, said the fire erupted about 3.45am on Wednesday. It's suspected a neighbouring dessert and acai shop was the target of the alleged firebombing, but it wasn't long before the blaze spread to the pet shop. It's understood only 20 baby turtles and a handful of fish survived the fire. 'Hundreds of birds have all perished, thousands of fish have also perished, we have also lost rabbits,' the owner told the Herald Sun. 'We are totally devastated and still trying to comprehend what has happened. 'It's still a massive shock. We are heartbroken.' The fire was finally brought under control by 30 firefighters shortly before 4.30am. No one was injured but a smoke warning was issued for the surrounding area. The organiser of a GoFundMe for King Pets the building was 'completely destroyed'. 'This isn't just the loss of a shop - it's the loss of a 25-year legacy. A business built with love, care, and tireless effort over decades,' he wrote. 'A place that brought joy to countless families, supported the welfare of animals, and became a trusted part of the community. 'Most importantly, this pet shop supported five local families. Overnight, they've not only lost their workplace - they've lost their livelihood. 'Their ability to provide for their children, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads is now under serious threat.' Detective Senior Constable Scott McCowan said the owner was 'distraught'. 'The business owner, as expected, is on scene and is distraught, along with the neighbouring businesses,' he said. The news comes after the destruction of 10 dessert and acai bars in Melbourne - fuelling rumours the city is facing an all-out 'acai war' as seen in Sydney. An ice cream parlour in Williamstown linked to the Haddara tobacco family and a Springvale acai bar were destroyed by fire just last week. Rumours of a acai 'war' in Sydney were addressed by the owners of a popular food truck, Acai World, following its destruction in February. 'This was a targeted attack to burn down a business that was doing well,' Ray Amer, the nephew of the two brothers, who owned the store, explained. 'We've seen the camera footage, there were two people that set the shop on fire, we don't know who did it.' The owners were adamant their competitors weren't responsible.
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- News.com.au
King Pets animals killed after firebombing hits Mahoneys Rd shop in Melbourne
Rabbits, fish and birds have been killed after an apparent firebombing struck an acai store in Melbourne's north. Victoria Police is investigating the suspicious fire, which engulfed a shop on Mahoneys Rd in Campbellfield about 3.40am on Wednesday. The fire then spread to nearby shops, including the King Pets store. King Pets suffered significant damage and police confirmed rabbits, fish and birds were killed in the blaze. 'Police are investigating a suspicious fire in Campbellfield on May 7,' police said on Wednesday. 'Emergency services responded to reports of a blaze at an acai shop on Mahoneys Rd about 3.40am. 'The fire fully engulfed the shop. No one was inside at the time. 'The investigation remains ongoing.' A string of small shops sit along Mahoneys Rd. Photos from the scene show the Mahoneys Groceries and Tobacco store, the acai shop and King Pets burnt out and gutted from the fire. Victorian Police has been battling suspected underworld activity in Melbourne's illicit tobacco trade for months, with several tobacco shops hit by arson attacks.
