Julianne Neathery: More Than 30 Dogs Perish in Fire at Rome Kennel

ROME, Ga. (AP) -- Authorities say at least 32 dogs were killed when fire destroyed a kennel and a home in the small community of Coosa in northwest Georgia.

Fire officials tell the Rome News-Tribune the blaze began Tuesday afternoon at Flashpoint Kennel on Fox Hill Drive.

Kennel owner Linda Nash said 12 adult dogs and at least 20 puppies died in the blaze. Several Jack Russell terriers that had been retired from her breeding program were killed, as were Boston terriers and chihuahuas.

Authorities said Nash's daughter, Brandy Ely, was treated for smoke inhalation.

Rome-Floyd Fire Department Battalion Chief Phil Taylor said the structure was essentially a doublewide mobile home that had been added on to a number of times.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.