Countless fish, birds and rabbits tragically perish after flames from suspicious fire spread to pet store

By ASHLEY NICKEL FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 06:52 BST, 7 May 2025 | Updated: 07:44 BST, 7 May 2025

Countless fish, bids and rabbits have perished in a suspicious fire that spread to a pet store on a busy shopping 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 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.

Countless fish, birds and rabbits have perished after a pet store was caught up in an alleged firebombing attack on Mahoneys Road in Campbellfield, north Melbourne (pictured)

Only about 20 baby turtles (pictured) and a handful of fish survived the fire

No one was injured but a smoke warning was issued for the surrounding area. 

The organiser of a GoFundMe for King Pets said 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 fire (pictured) was finally brought under control by 30 firefighters shortly before 4.30am

The fires comes amid the destruction of 10 dessert and acai bars in Melbourne – fuelling rumours the city is facing an all-out ‘acai war’ which followed that 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.

The acai ‘war’ in Sydney was 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 were not responsible.

Anyone who witnessed the firebombing, or has dashcam/CCTV vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. 

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Countless fish, birds and rabbits tragically perish after flames from suspicious fire spread to pet store

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