More Than Dozen Animals Killed In NM Hospital Fire

More than a dozen animals perished in a fire at a New Mexico veterinary clinic.

KOB-TV reports authorities say a fire started Monday morning in the front office of Tucumcari Animal Hospital and quickly spread.

Fire officials say more than 50 animals, including dogs, cats, birds and rabbits, were killed.

Investigators say the fire appears to be arson.

Veterinarian Jean Corey says many of the animals suffered from severe smoke inhalation. Corey says she treated some of them for 20 years.

Tucumcari police are working with state police to determine if the blaze is related to other recent fires in the area.

The hospital is the only animal clinic in Quay County. Pet owners will now have to go to Clovis to get treatment.