Pop music mogul Simon Cowell believes the arsonist behind the fire that killed 60 dogs at Manchester Dogs’ Home should receive double the prison time.
The X Factor Svengali blasted the perpetrator and said he was too upset to watch the footage of the blaze when he was alerted to the fire on Thursday night.
He joined thousands in giving money, pledging £25,000 to the home. The JustGiving total currently stands at £1,403,294.27.
Simon said: “I have got my dogs here and I love my dogs. The fact is they are in a rescue home which is bad enough and then for something like that to happen is disgusting.
“It is unbelievable. Whatever the maximum sentence is I would double it, I really would.
“There is no justification for it, you can’t just kill animals and get away with it.”
Just read about @manchdogs. Unbelievable! Donation on its way.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) September 13, 2014
A 15-year-old boy has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of arson. The minor has been named and pictured on Twitter and has received numerous death threats on the social media site.
@SimonCowell @manchdogs maybe simon you can give the two guys who risk their life to save the dogsa all inclusive holiday???
— Karl (@VO1CE_of_ME) September 13, 2014
Simon took to Twitter to announce that we has donating to the cause and one user suggested he should provide an all-inclusive holiday for Jason Dyer, 41, and his nephew Dean Rostock, 25 ,who saved the lives of 20 animals when the home went up in flames.
Retweeting the idea, Cowell was only too happy to oblige and he replied: “Yes, I will.”
Yes I will
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) September 13, 2014
He said: “We are going to give them some money and take the guys who rescued some of the dogs on holiday because of what they did.
“I only got Jason and Dean’s names today. I would just say both of them, they are true heroes and lots of respect from me for doing it. It was very upsetting.”
Dyer and Rostock have been praised globally for their bravery.
When the two men heard the dogs barking in panic, they jumped over the fence and kicked open kennel doors putting leads on each of the dogs and taking them to safety.
After Cowell contacted the two men, he discovered there was a third unsung hero from the fire, Jason’s son Danny Vere who joined in the rescue but left without being interviewed to look after his daughter.
Cowell has pledged to also send Danny on holiday.
The men are said to be ‘shocked’ and ‘very grateful’ after learning about Cowell’s present and donation to the Dogs’ Home.
A candle-lit vigil took place in Harpurhey on Sunday where many turned up with their dogs to pay their respects to the canines who perished.
Many members of the congregation were in tears as they left to a rendition of Catholic prayer ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace‘.
To donate to the Dogs’ Home, click here
Inset image courtesy of ITV via YouTube with thanks
