Dog shelter future in disarray after plans refused

Waggy Tails says it has received more than 600 requests to take in dogs this year

A dog shelter says it will be forced to sell a parcel of land after plans to open a new rescue centre were turned down.

Waggy Tails in Canford Magna, Dorset, planned to move to Little Lions Farm in Ashley Heath after buying it in 2022 to respond to growing demand.

But it said, "after 12 months of jumping through hoops", Dorset Council refused its application, leaving its future plans in "disarray".

The charity, which spent £31,000 on planning, searches and surveys, said it was not in a financial position to appeal.

The shelter cares for up to 30 dogs at a time, including 12-year-old Pickles

A planning committee refused the change-of-use application amid concerns about its impact on the adjoining heathland and disturbance to neighbours.

Charity chairwoman Ginny Roberts said: "This presents us with an immediate cash-flow problem.

"We are not a cash-rich charity.

"If we are to remain at our current base for the foreseeable future, disposal of Little Lions Farm to regain some financial stability becomes our main objective."

More than 1,500 people signed an online petition in support of the plans.

The charity, which accommodates up to 30 dogs, said it had already received more than 600 rescue requests this year.

In a statement, it said it followed Dorset Council's pre-planning advice for the site but added: "We are not in a position to justifiably spend any more of the charity's money on an appeal."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said Waggy Tails was described as "doing an extremely good job" by Three Legged Cross councillor Andy Skeats at Wednesday's planning meeting.

"It’s the place chosen, not the charity, which is the problem," he said.