THE house which was home to Balls an’ All animal rescue, an NPO based in Walkerville, was struck by lightning during a storm on the evening of November 23.
The strike sparked an uncontrollable fire that raged through the eight-roomed house and burned it to the ground, including the veterinary clinic.
Owner of Balls an’ All Ron Horton said he was in the bath when the lightning struck.
“It was like a bomb going off. It was a big explosion and I heard my wife screaming.
“My staff were fantastic as they tried putting out the fire, but because of the aggressiveness of the fire we couldn’t stop it,” said Horton.
Horton said as the fire spread they rushed to save the dogs and themselves, but he believes they wasted time trying to put out the fire.
“We should have used that time to carry our belongings out, but at that point you don’t think because things are happening so fast.
“We also tried to save the clinic, but the fire went right through so nothing was saved,” Horton said.
Up in flames
People watched helplessly as the fire consumed the house.
One of the residents called the Meyerton fire department.
However, due to the rain and the muddy road, only two fire trucks managed to reach the house and eventually they ran out of water.
Ivan Parks, sector manager for community police De Deur, said they spent about three hours trying to get their vehicles and fire engines out after they became bogged down in the mud.
“I’m pleased with the help of the local farmers who came in to help move out the fire engines as they brought trench diggers.
“It was really muddy and rainy, but we tried to move the engines out,” said Parks.
Dogs and donations
While the house was still in flames, Horton took about 13 dogs to a vet in Kibler Park for assessment.
The dogs stayed there for four days.
Horton informed the COURIER that none of the dogs were injured. However, they were terrified.
Residents of Walkerville and surrounding areas donated basic necessities, such as blankets, pillows, clothes, shoes, groceries, toiletries and dog food, to the Horton family on November 24 at the Walkerville Showgrounds.
Horton told the COURIER they also had temporary accommodation.
Horton said the clinic was his life and he would appreciate donations to help him re-establish his organisation.
If you can assist you can contact Mareli MacFarlane on 083 5555 925.
Balls an’ All
The organisation was established in 2016 to provide sterilisation services and veterinary care to the animals of those who can’t afford standard veterinary rates.
The organisation is active in townships and informal settlements, where they offer free parasite control, basic health care, veterinary services, pet food, collars and running lines for dogs.
All of these activities have been put on hold until such time they can reopen the clinic.
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