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SELMA, NC (WTVD) — Fire ripped through a building at a Johnston County dog breeding facility Wednesday morning killing dozens of animals. Pictures from Chopper 11 HD showed firefighters putting out hotspots in a building that was leveled by flames at Puppy Paradise on West Blanche Street Extension in Selma.

Officials said firefighters managed to rescue about half of the dogs in the building. Pine Level Fire Department spokesperson Gary Wood estimated there were about 100 to 150 dogs inside the building when the fire began but he didn’t immediately have an exact count.

“I’m a pet owner myself, and I hate to see any animal perish like that,” said Wood.

Wood said there were about seven different breeds and the facility specialized in small dogs. He wasn’t sure what types.

According to website information, the business also provides grooming and boarding services.

Wood said the owner of the business was treated for smoke inhalation. There were no other human injuries.

The call came in around 8:17 a.m. The cause of the fire is unknown as the investigation is just beginning.

Workers with Johnston County Animal Services were on scene – taking live animals to their facility for care.