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An estimated 100 animals were killed in a fire that broke out Monday night at Uncle Bill’s Pet Center on West 38th Street.
When Indianapolis firefighters arrived at the scene for what initially was dispatched as a fire alarm, they found heavy smoke in the building.
The animals included approximately 40 dogs, 25 parakeets, rabbits and other assorted animals. Multiple reptiles, fish, a resilient guinea pig and an office cat survived. The live animals were removed and are being evaluated by the store's veterinarian.
It is unclear how long the fire had been burning prior to the alarm going off, but the building was heavily charged with thick black smoke. Fire officials said the animals were still in their respective cages and succumbed to the deadly gases produced by the smoke.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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