MP Julian Brazier and Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin on their visit to the rehoming centre in Chestfield. Picture: Barry Goodwin.

Canterbury and Whitstable MP Julian Brazier visited the Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre in Chestfield on Friday.

Less than three weeks away from Christmas, the centre is full to capacity.

More than 90 dogs are currently being looked after at the Radfall Road home, which expanded its capacity two years ago. Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin was also a visitor on Friday.

Adam Levy, centre manager, admits these are the busiest times the charity has ever experienced.

He said: “We’ve seen a significant rise in the numbers here in recent months and that’s probably for a number of reasons.

“Lots of people are finding they’re having to give up dogs when they move house or downsize, there might be a family break-up or people are just having to cut back somewhere on their spending and the pet can be one of the first
things to go."

Julian Brazier added: “The staff do a superb job and it’s an organisation with a tremendous ethos in that no healthy animal is ever destroyed. Sadly, too many people buy a pet and simply can’t care for them.

“A dog is a wonderful companion, but you have to be able to look after them and ensure their long-term wellbeing.”

The rehoming centre in Radfall Road is open daily from noon until 4pm, except Wednesdays.

For information call 01227 792505 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk