Police in the north metro city of North Branch say tips from the public led to the arrest of a suspect in an arson at an animal hospital this month.

Police arrested a 21-year-old North Branch man on suspicion of second-degree arson. He is being held in the Chisago County jail.

Five dogs and a cat were rescued after the fire at the North Branch Veterinary Hospital, which was reported at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 4. Firefighters from North Branch, Harris, Rush City and Stacy helped put out the blaze, which the state fire marshal later ruled was arson.

None of the animals was injured, but the news that it was arson triggered outrage among many in the community and beyond.

Authorities had offered a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

ASSOCIATED PRESS