ANIMAL lovers have unleashed a downpour of donations after over 60 dogs were killed in an arson attack on a Manchester animal rescue centre on Thursday night.

Residents in the city’s Harpurhey district heard the yelps of terrified canine inmates from their dinner tables — and rushed to evacuate the animals from Manchester Dogs Home. 

Supporters brought dog food, cages and blankets to the home, where they assisted staff and emergency services in rescue efforts.

Over 150 dogs were removed from the centre alive — but others were burned to death. Surviving dogs have been taken to the home’s sister centre in Warrington.

In the first few hours of Friday, well-wishers had stumped up over half a million pounds to repair serious damage to a third of kennels at the home via a page on the JustGiving website.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of arson shortly after the blaze broke out.

Manchester Dogs Home manager Anna Stansfield said: “I cannot describe what we have seen tonight. It’s soul destroying.”

Greater Manchester police Inspector Neil Jones said: “The response from the public has been overwhelming and this is clearly an incident that has tugged on the heart strings of many.

“A number of people including police officers and staff were quickly on the scene and put their life on the line to help with the rescue effort.

“We are determined to establish exactly how and why this fire started and will be working closely with our partners from the fire service.”