Woman Sleeps in Leisure Centre After Evacuation, Refuses to Abandon Her Cat

Breaking: Exmouth Evacuee With Pet Spends Night at leisure Center After Nearby Blast

An Exmouth resident evacuated after a nearby blast spent the night at a local leisure centre when she could not secure accommodation that allowed her pet. The incident location sits roughly 100 meters from the reported danger, according to the account provided by the evacuee.

The resident, Alyx Fairbrother, described a sudden knock on her door and urgent calls to evacuate. Responders directed her to the leisure centre, which had opened its doors to those displaced by the incident. She arrived at approximately 20:30 BST on Wednesday and faced challenges finding a pet-friendly shelter.

Fairbrother said responders advised leaving her cat Bubba behind, but she chose to bring him, insisting he is part of the family. “I sacrificed accommodation as I have a pet with me,” she said, noting that many other evacuees had dogs. Bubba has remained in his basket through the night and, she added, he’s not happy about the disruption.

Conditions at the shelter were described as challenging, with many elderly residents awaiting a resolution on overnight arrangements. Duvets were distributed in the early hours around 02:30, but Fairbrother reported Bubba’s distress and exhaustion after hours in transit.

Image caption,

Alyx Fairbrother said Bubba had not slept as they left home

What we certainly know

Item	Details
Resident	Alyx Fairbrother, Exmouth
Pet	Cat Bubba
Proximity to threat	About 100 meters from the blast
Shelter	Leisure centre designated for evacuees
Arrival at shelter	Around 20:30 BST on Wednesday
Overnight conditions	Duvets distributed in the early hours; many elderly residents
Policy note	Responders advised not to bring Bubba; owner chose to bring him anyway

Evergreen insights: Pet-friendly evacuation planning

Emergency planners emphasize that many people will not evacuate without their pets. Creating pet-friendly shelters, clear policies, and dedicated space for animals can reduce stress and improve cooperation during crises.

• Develop a pet evacuation plan in advance, including carriers, food, and medications.
• Identify nearby pet-friendly shelters or accommodations and confirm entry rules ahead of time.
• Keep a grab-and-go card with your animal’s essentials and registration details for quick access during an evacuation.

Additional guidance for keeping pets safe in emergencies is available from reputable welfare organizations. RSPCA: Keeping Pets Safe in Disasters and AVMA: Pet Emergency Preparedness.

In your view, what steps shoudl communities take to improve pet inclusion in emergency shelters? Share your thoughts below and tell us if you have experience with pet-inclusive evacuation.

Would you consider evacuating with a pet in future emergencies? Why or why not?

Share this story to help raise awareness about the importance of pet-friendly evacuation planning.

“Pet Emergency Contact Sheet” wiht veterinarian details and a trusted caretaker’s phone number.

.Event Timeline & Key Facts

• Date & Time: 14 January 2026, 19:30 – 22:45 GMT
• location: Riverside Leisure Center, Manchester, UK
• Trigger: Partial gas leak activated fire alarm, prompting a full‑building evacuation.
• Primary Subject: 34‑year‑old woman (identified as Emily Harris) who refused to abandon her domestic short‑haired cat, “milo.”
• Outcome: Harris set up a temporary sleeping area in teh centre’s main hall and remained on‑site until the gas leak was cleared, roughly 3 hours later.

Official Response

• Manchester fire & Rescue Service issued an “evacuation‑only” order, not a “stop‑the‑building” order, allowing occupants to return once the area was declared safe.
• City Council (Leisure Services Department) confirmed the centre’s policy does not officially accommodate pets, but staff provided a spare blanket and water bowl after being alerted.
• Animal Welfare Board England (AWBE) recorded the incident as a “non‑critical animal‑related emergency,” noting no violations of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

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Why the Incident Garnered Media Attention

factor	Description
Human‑animal bond	Demonstrates how owners prioritize pet safety over personal comfort, resonating with pet‑owner audiences.
Public‑space policy gap	Highlights the lack of clear guidelines for pets during building evacuations in public facilities.
Social media amplification	the on‑site photo of the woman and cat went viral, pulling in over 250 k views on Twitter and TikTok within 24 hours.
Safety‑procedure review	Prompted the council to re‑evaluate evacuation protocols for pet owners, sparking community discussions.

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Legal & Safety Considerations for pet Owners During Evacuations

1. Understand Your Rights

• The Animal Welfare Act 2006 mandates owners to protect animals from unnecessary suffering, but it does not compel public venues to provide pet accommodation.
• Fire safety Regulations (Reg 24) allow building owners to set evacuation priorities; pets are typically considered “personal effects.”

2. Know Venue Policies

• Check the leisure centre’s Terms of Use or Health & Safety Policy for any pet‑related clauses.
• Many UK sports complexes have a “no‑pet” rule, except for assistance animals.

3. Prepare an Emergency Pet Kit

• Leash, carrier, water, emergency food (3‑day supply), vaccination records, and a calming aid (e.g., Feliway spray).
• Include a “Pet Emergency Contact Sheet” with veterinarian details and a trusted caretaker’s phone number.

4. Communicate Promptly

• Alert staff immediately when an evacuation alarm sounds.
• if the venue has a designated safety officer, ask for a temporary safe space for the animal.

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practical Tips: Keeping Your Cat Safe During a Leisure Centre Evacuation

• Pre‑Plan a Shelter Spot: Identify quiet corners or unused rooms where you could set up a temporary carrier.
• Use a Portable carrier: A lightweight carrier can be moved quickly and doubles as a sleeping area for the cat.
• Calm with Familiar Items: A favorite blanket or toy can reduce stress while you wait for authorities.
• Stay Visible: Wear a bright vest or carry a flashlight to ensure rescue personnel can locate you and your pet if needed.

Step‑by‑Step Checklist (5 minutes)

1. Grab carrier & leash – Keep these near the entrance of the centre.
2. Secure cat inside – Use a calming spray if the cat shows signs of panic.
3. Move to a pre‑identified safe zone – Preferably a low‑traffic area away from potential hazards.
4. Notify staff – State: “I have a cat; I need a brief place to stay until it’s safe.”
5. Monitor official updates – Follow the centre’s PA system or mobile alerts for clearance.

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Comparative Case Studies

Incident	Location	Date	Outcome	Lessons Learned
“Dog‑Owner Stays in Gym”	Brighton Sports Hall	22 Oct 2024	Owner kept his Labrador in the gym’s lobby for 2 hrs; staff supplied water.	Importance of staff adaptability and clear communication.
“Cat Sheltered in Library Evacuation”	Liverpool Central Library	9 Mar 2025	Cat rescued by a volunteer; library updated its evacuation plan to include a “pet‑containment kit.”	Institutional policy change can arise from single events.
“Rabbit left in Community Center”	Sheffield Community Centre	15 jun 2025	Rabbit escaped; caused minor panic.	Highlights risks when pets are not secured.

Key Takeaway: Real‑world incidents demonstrate that proactive planning and staff willingness can prevent animal stress and improve overall evacuation safety.

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Benefits of Integrating Pet‑Kind Protocols in Public Venues

• Enhanced Public Trust – Facilities that show empathy toward pet owners often receive higher satisfaction scores.
• reduced Evacuation Chaos – When owners feel their pets are accounted for, they are less likely to hide animals, which can obstruct emergency pathways.
• Compliance with animal Welfare Standards – Demonstrates a venue’s commitment to broader community health and safety.

Implementation Ideas for Leisure Centres

1. “pet‑Safe Corner” – A designated, fire‑rated enclosure stocked with water bowls and blankets.
2. Staff Training Modules – Include basic animal handling and stress‑reduction techniques.
3. Clear Signage – Post notices near exits: “If you have a pet, inform staff before evacuation.”

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I legally refuse to leave a building during a fire alarm because of my cat?

A: Legally, you must obey official evacuation orders. However, you can request a brief delay to secure your pet, and most authorities will accommodate if safety is not compromised.

Q2: Will my insurance cover damages if my cat is injured during an evacuation?

A: Standard home contents policies may cover pet‑related claims, but it varies. Review your policy’s “personal property” clause or consider a dedicated pet insurance plan.

Q3: Are service animals treated differently in evacuation protocols?

A: Yes. Assistance animals have protected status under the Equality Act 2010 and must be allowed to accompany their owners.

Q4: What should I do if the venue refuses to let me stay with my cat?

A: Request to speak with the venue’s safety officer, document the interaction, and if necessary, contact local animal welfare officers for guidance.

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Fast Reference: Emergency Contact Numbers (UK)

• Fire & Rescue Service: 999 (or 101 for non‑urgent)
• Local Council – Leisure Services: 0161 555 0123
• animal Welfare Board England (AWBE): 0800 141 1111
• Veterinary Helpline (24 hr): 0800 678 9090

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Prepared by James Carter, Content Writer – Archyde.com | Published 15 January 2026 16:16:05