A dog sanctuary near Maidstone that gives welfare dogs a second chance in life says it may have to close unless a new site for its kennels can be found.

South East Dog Rescue in Sutton Valence celebrated its 11th anniversary just days ago.

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES

Now, founder Kymm White, is having to find a new location after being told the kennels she rents on Headcorn Road will be knocked down for housing.

Miss White says she is heartbroken: "We have until September to find a new home for all of our dogs.

"I am so proud of all we have done which is why this news is just devastating.

"All I have ever wanted to do is secure a safe and happy life for dogs and right now I am unable to do that.

"I am exhausted, overwhelmed and heartbroken.

"We have no money sitting in the bank to buy somewhere.

"The prospect of finding a suitable place to rent nearby seems an impossible task."

Miss White has started a crowdfunding page and is hoping to raise enough money to buy a new premises.

"I really think that’s the best way to secure the future of the rescue rather than renting somewhere again."

"I have given everything I have emotionally, mentally and physically and I would not change that for the world.

"I have never taken a wage from running the rescue and I would never want to.

"If anyone can help, in any way please get in touch."

The 37-year-old says she is hoping to find a new site at least 30 minutes from Ashford town centre where her daughter goes to school.

Since 2009, Miss White has helped re-home more than 1,000 dogs.

"I started with view to taking in one dog at a time. I wanted a companion for my dog so I started fostering and it grew from there.

"I never anticipated it would get this far."

Miss White is currently looking after 18 dogs and has others in foster care.

Some of those will go on to be fostered and rehomed. Others with more complex needs live there permanently.

"At other centres some of these dogs would be deemed 'unhomeable' and they would be put to sleep.

"These dogs live here and this is their home because we run a strict no kill policy.

"We have been a last resort for so many dogs who have gone on to live happy and healthy lives.

"We taken in some of the worst welfare cases you could imagine and we've given sanctuary to those dogs who couldn’t cope in homes.

"Bugsy the Frenchie arrived about six-weeks ago and he was so skinny and covered in pressure sores.

"Even the vet didn't think he was going to pull through but now he's got a new home to go to in a couple of weeks."

"Tegan was one of the most severely starved dog I have ever seen. Now she is full of life and looking for a new home when government restrictions are lifted.

Miss White added: "We have to carry on for our sanctuary dogs, the Tegan’s, the Bugsy’s and all the other dogs who need our help that we haven’t even met yet.

"I don't like asking for money but I really want to find a way to keep going."

If you know a suitable location for South East Dog Rescue or would like to donate, click here or email Miss White on southeastdogrescue@hotmail.com

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone