by Angela Cole

Dogs rescued from death row now face lethal injection again after the centre that saved them was threatened with closure.

The Large Breeds Centre in Ringlestone Road, Hollingbourne, has been run by Sharon Farrington at her home for more than 30 years.

She specialises in taking large dogs which no one else will rehome. But Mrs Farrington says she is worried the centre could now close after Maidstone council planning officers, acting on noise complaints, said she had too many dogs.

She has permission to keep six dogs, but currently has 11 on site.

She must now apply for planning permission to increase the number of animals she is allowed to keep and to expand the kennels that house them.

She said: "They came to see me this week and said I might have to close down, because I can't have more than six dogs. It even means some of my own dogs could have to go.

"It would crucify me. These dogs are my life; this has taken over my life, my home. I love them."

The centre works with dog trainers to rehabilitate the dogs so that they can be rehomed safely.

A Maidstone council spokesman said alongside the planning permission, Mrs Farrington had also been asked to try to reduce the numbers of dogs due to the noise complaints.