A UNIQUE dog sanctuary has issued a plea after struggling to find somewhere to relocate.

DAS Dalmatians is the UK's only sanctuary which specifically looks to protect the breed.

The sanctuary wants to re-locate within short driving distance of the Morecambe Bay area, meaning the Furness peninsula and South Lakes are well within limits.

Sue Bell, from Carnforth, who runs the sanctuary, said: "Unfortunately, our current residence in Devon is no longer suitable for the dogs. The track down is becoming more impassable.

"The stable is now not drivable and when sick dogs that can no longer walk a distance have to go to the vets, they have to be put in a wheelbarrow to get to the top of the steep hill.

"The fields and yard are boggy and muddy when it rains and there is no concrete yard or drainage, so it floods every time it rains badly."

The sanctuary says that it if it does not find somewhere to re-locate, they will have no choice but to close permanently before the end of this year.

Ms Bell said: "We help the ones that others have refused to help. 

"Some are elderly or end of life; some have medical issues such as epilepsy which require daily medication; some have behavioural issues.

"We work tirelessly day in, day out to give them the best quality of life possible and a whole lot of love.

"Without DAS, so many of these dogs would have been needlessly euthanised but instead they got to live out the rest of their lives being loved and cared for.

"Saying goodbye to them rips our hearts out every time but comfort is gained by knowing we did our best for them and they died with love and dignity."

The perfect location would be somewhere with:

  • A ten-year rental 
  • Accommodation for two adults 
  • At least one acre of land with a well-drained concrete yard
  • A rural setting with no neighbours
  • Preferably outbuildings or stables, but these could be erected by the sanctuary, alongside secure fencing.

Ms Bell can be contacted at info@dasdogs.co.uk.