Fears 20 dogs could be ‘put to sleep’ as rescue centre ‘forced to move’

A dog rescue centre has launched a desperate appeal to raise GBP35,000 in order to move out of their premises by New Year's Eve. The Max & George Trust claims they'll have to put their 20 dogs to sleep, if they cannot find the funds in time by December 31. The rescue centre, based on Ridware Road in Rugeley, Staffordshire[1], has been told by the landowner it must move out by that date, said Lauren Brown, 50, who runs the organisation.

The group was launched in 2016 and cares for rescued dogs, some of which have experienced horrific ordeals. A Carpathian Shepherd, called Major, had its throat "slit" and Lauren says she's been caring for him over many months to restore his trust. The GBP35,000 will pay for moving costs and cover the remaining rent.

We are now on WhatsApp. Click here[3] to join our dedicated community Lauren, originally from Dorset, said the rescue centre was forced to move from its former location in Kings Bromley during the summer, as a result of HS2.

They moved into their Rugeley premises in July, and she says a six-month assured shorthold tenancy (AST) was agreed in August which was due to expire in February. However, at the start of December, Lauren said the organisation was "served with a notice" stating that they had "30 days to get out".

Lauren said: "Why wouldn't another month work? But to do it at Christmas[4] when everyone shuts down.

It is horrible. She continued: "I care about these dogs a lot. These dogs are so traumatised, I have to build up their trust.

I have worked so hard. "When I set this up, the whole goal was about the wider community, as well as rescuing the dogs. That is what is going to come to an end if I can't get it sorted."

The centre has more than 100 part-time volunteers. Lauren said she works three jobs to fund the rescue centre, which also receives handouts and donations from generous members of the public. So far, the rescue centre has raised GBP25,000 towards its goal via its JustGiving page[5] - but desperately needs another GBP10,000.

Five kennel blocks, a storage container and food and bedding will also need to be moved before December 31, which Lauren will have to organise between now and the next nine days.

Within the past 24 hours, Lauren said they have found a potential site to move into - but time is ticking by quickly for her and the dogs.

To donate to the fundraising , click here[6].

Follow the group on Facebook here[7].

References

1. ^ Staffordshire (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ West Midlands paramedic on 14-hour shift says 'I used to enjoy my job' but has 'begun to hate it' (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ here (chat.whatsapp.com)
4. ^ Christmas (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
5. ^ JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com)
6. ^ here (www.justgiving.com)
7. ^ here (www.facebook.com)