Pet boarding business where 21 animals died in fire operated illegally, official says
By Stephen Cohn
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DOUSMAN, Wisconsin (WISN) — The Dousman pet boarding and training facility where 21 animals died in a weekend fire was operating in a village that does not allow kennels, according to a village official and municipal ordinance language reviewed Tuesday.
A deputy clerk for the Village of Dousman confirmed that kennels are illegal in the village and said the home where the fire happened did not have a kennel license.
The fire broke out Saturday afternoon at Whomping Willow’s Kennels, a home-based boarding and training business in Dousman.
Neighbors called 911 after seeing smoke and hearing dogs barking inside, officials said.
Fire crews pulled 16 dogs and 16 cats from the home, but only six dogs and five cats survived, authorities said. First responders used pet-sized oxygen masks and CPR in an effort to save the animals.
Western Lakes Fire said Monday that the blaze started in the laundry room and is not considered suspicious. Officials also said no one was home when the fire started.
The deputy clerk said the Summit Police Department is leading the investigation because Dousman does not have its own police department. A request for updated information on the investigation, including whether anyone could face charges or arrest, was made Tuesday to Summit police.
Multiple attempts Monday to reach the owner of Whomping Willow’s Kennels were unsuccessful.
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