Dogsey

A family who said they couldn't afford to pay a lump sump of £185 in order to get their dog back after she escaped from the garden have told a rescue centre to find Staffordshire bull terrier Kia a new home. Eight-year-old Kia's previous owner, family member Bernie Gadsby, described the family as “heartbroken”.

After Kia ran away from the garden in Bedford, owners Charlene Gadsby and her six-year-old son were relieved to discover that she was safe and being held at The Lodge Kennel near Baldock, Herts. Mrs Gadsby was asked to pay a release fee of £75, and advised she would have to pay £15 for every day Kia was not collected thereafter.

“We told the kennel we couldn't afford to pay all that money in one go and asked if we could arrange instalments over a few days but they just told us it was up to the council to decide,” said Mrs Gadsby.

Kia had been in the family for years but had been living with Mrs Gadsby for two weeks. Mrs Gadsby said Kia was loved and she didn't understand why the kennel would not reunite her with her family. Mother-in-law Bernie Gadsby said: “They told us that if we did not pay by Friday last week they would rehome her but she already has a home with my son and his family.” She believed that Kia must have lost her collar when she got out and said that although she was microchipped, the kennel could not read it properly.

The Lodge Kennel would not accept instalments if Bedford Borough Council was not prepared to make a concession on payment, saying, “We are absolutely over-run at the moment and can't keep up with the number of dogs coming in.” A spokesman for the council confirmed its legal duty to hold strays for a statutory period of seven days, after which time kennels would begin the re-homing process. The RSPCA could not help, saying it was the Council's responsibility.

Kia was moved to Loving Homes dog Rescue in Devon. After hearing their story, offers of help to pay the £185 were received by the family but they decided to ask the rescue centre to re-home Kia. “We are heartbroken but it has come to a point where it is just too much to pay,” said Bernie Gadsby. “We know she is well and will be given a loving home.”

Chris Dannan from the rescue centre said that they were made aware that there would be donations to cover the costs but no money has been received, adding: “Even if the situation changes we would not give her back to the family because there have been too many problems and inconsistencies.”