Animal rescue centre closure risk over site sale

An animal rescue centre in Kent is attempting to raise £1.7m to purchase its site after it was put up for sale.

South East Dog Rescue said it was at risk of closure if it could not raise the funds to buy its rented premises in Greenhithe, near Dartford.

It was opened by Kymm White in 2009 and has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed thousands of abandoned or neglected dogs.

"For over 16 years, I have dedicated my heart, soul and life to building a rescue that provides safety, love and hope to countless abandoned and neglected dogs. But now, everything I've worked so hard for is at risk," she said.

A fundraising page set up by Ms White has raised more than £10,000 in the first 24 hours.

The owner said the fundraising target was to either buy the site or build new kennels elsewhere.

"We want to raise £1.7m to buy our kennel site, what we now call home, and save this rescue - 16 years of hard work, sacrifice, and love - from being lost forever," she said.

"We are under no illusion that the funds needed is possible, but we're not willing to give up without a fight - our dogs, and future dogs, are all worth it."

Ms White has also urged the public to contact the centre with information about suitable locations for a possible future site.

She added: "This is our most desperate hour. If you love dogs, believe in rescue, or know what it's like to see hope in a dog's eyes, we need your help.

"Together, we can protect the dogs who've already been through so much and continue to be a lifeline for those in need."

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