DOG lovers across Bolton have been donating food, blankets and money after a fire killed more than 50 animals and left many more injured and stranded.

Manchester Dogs’ Home, in Moss Brook Road, Harpurhey, was hit by a suspected arson attack just after 7pm on Thursday.

Leverhulme Park Community Centre, Long Lane, has set up a drop-off point and well-wishers began delivering donations of food, leads, blankets and bowls from 8am on Friday. 

Paris Brown, duty manager, who has two American bulldogs, said: "We are going to take them to the Cheshire dogs' home.

"I saw it last night and it's just heart-breaking. We are just doing all we can.

“People with any donations for the dogs saved from the tragic fire at Manchester Dogs’ Home, please bring them to Leverhulme Park Community Centre today before 1pm to be taken at 1.30pm.”

Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter, Northolt Drive, is also taking donations which can be dropped off between 11.30 and 5pm on Friday. 

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said 53 dogs had died so far, while about 150 were rescued, after the fire ripped through about a third of the kennels.

Dawn Price, marketing and events manager at Blind Tiger, Nelson Square, and friend Lucy Openshaw, from Bromley Cross, who runs Chasing Paw Prints and dog walking and sitting service, took food and blankets to the scene at about 10.30pm.

Miss Price, who lives in Westhoughton with her partner, daughter and three dogs, said: “I just thought, I need to do something.

“They are just defenceless creatures. I know a lot of people have said not as many would come together to help with donations for war but, when it’s on your doorstep, it’s just getting them the help and food and blankets.

“No-one else can help them, except for humans.

“For one rescue centre to lose 200 places when everyone is full to capacity, that’s a massive thing to try and work through.

“Not a lot of people have got money in their banks but people might have old sleeping bags, duvets and blankets.

“I’ve given them dog crates, beds, bedding and my daughter’s fleecy throws.

“Just round the corner, the vicar opened up Christ Church for it to be a collection centre.

“There were lots of people turning up with blankets.

“The main thing was getting everything into the church.”

Police are continuing to question a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson at the dogs’ home.

A statement on the dogs’ home website read: “Due to the tragic event at our Manchester Kennels we are asking people not to telephone Manchester Dogs’ Home as all of our lines are down due to the fire.

“The access to the home is restricted to necessary personnel so visitors are asked to please refrain from calling in person till further notice.

“We are extremely grateful for the help and support from the community and well-wishers.”

More than 30 firefighters brought the blaze under control and a joint investigation, by Greater Manchester Police and (GMFRS) into the cause of the fire is under way.

Anna Stansfield, manager of Cheshire Dogs Home, described the blaze as "soul destroying" and added all the rescued dogs would be transferred to its sister site in Warrington, Cheshire.

She said she could not comment on the circumstances of the blaze but confirmed that four members of staff were working there at the time.

Ms Stansfield said on Thursday: "I cannot describe what we have seen tonight. It's soul destroying."

Detective Inspector Neil Jones said: "The response from the public has been overwhelming and this is clearly an incident that has tugged on the heart strings of many.

"A number of people including police officers and staff were quickly on the scene and put their life on the line to help with the rescue effort.

"We are determined to establish exactly how and why this fire started and will be working closely with our partners from the fire service.

"As part of the investigation a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and he will be spoken to throughout the course of the day. If anyone has any information about this fire I would encourage them to contact us.

"Our switchboard, like social media has been overrun with people wanting to help and I would ask people to not call the police unless they have information about the investigation or those responsible.

"Anyone wanting to donate items such as food and blankets can do so by bringing them to the north Manchester police headquarters. A Justgiving page has also been set up for anyone wanting to donate cash. If you have information about the fire then please call us".

Manchester & Cheshire Dogs Home opened in 1893 and has re-homed more than one million dogs. The registered charity is said to care for more than 7,000 stray and unwanted dogs each year and manages to re-home 95 per cent of them.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.