Tragedy struck at an American Kennel Club dog show in Tampa before it even began.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesperson Rob Herrin said five dogs died, according to the Associated Press, when a fire broke out within an RV carrying prized boxers late Tuesday afternoon, quickly engulfing the entire motor home in flames and resulting in the deaths of the show dogs in a parking lot outside Florida State Fairgrounds.
AKC All-Breed Dog Shows were scheduled at the state fairgrounds Wednesday through Sunday, with the Sarasota Kennel Club hosting the first event.
No humans were injured and investigators initially believe the fire was an accident, officials said, per the AP.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office told the Fort Myers News-Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, members of the office was dispatched to the scene but Hillsborough County Fire Rescue quickly took over the investigation. The USA TODAY Network has reached out to dog organizations, family members, and fire rescue for more information.
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A video of the incident published by the Tampa Bay Times and other outlets shows flames engulfing the front of the camper before spreading towards the back as concerned onlookers each other to back away from the RV.
What show were the dogs attending?
The American Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show is a competition show in which dogs and handlers can compete. In AKC conformation shows dogs compete in different classes based on breed and sex, with breeds divided into hound, terrier, working, herding, sporting, non-sporting, toy, and miscellaneous groups.
The show was being held at the Florida State Fair Grounds from June 14 to June 18, select days hosted by Sarasota Kennel Club, Greater Venice Florida Dog Club, Greater Venice Florida Dog Club & Heartland Dog Club of Florida, and the St. Petersburg Dog Fanciers Association.
Contributing: Jay Cannon, USA TODAY; Associated Press
