PLAINVIEW, N.Y. - A fire at a Long Island veterinary clinic has claimed the lives of 17 animals.

Dogs, birds, turtles and a rabbit were among the animals that died Sunday morning at the Old Country Animal Clinic in Plainview.

Authorities say they had to hold back the clinic's veterinarian from running back into the fire to try to rescue the animals.

Rescuers were able to save some reptiles and amphibians.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

Several firefighters suffered minor injuries, including two for heat exhaustion.
___

Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.