Dog lovers in Sandwich claim a canine rescue charity was “not welcome” at Sandwich Food Fayre.

Futures for Dogs ran a stall selling dog treats at the Food Fayre over the weekend but dog walkers in the town say the charity was told it was no longer welcome.

The Food Fayre denies this and says the comments posted on social media are not true.

The rescue charity did not wish to comment but did confirm that a pitch was made available on Saturday and Sunday but this wasn’t suitable due to the disability of the stallholder.

Charity supporter, Sue Whatton said: “Shocked to find that the canine charities are no longer welcome at this event, despite being present for years. Apparently the beautiful doggie treats and cakes lovingly made by volunteers are not considered food. At least I found out before I bothered going to Sandwich.”

Others posted that they were “absolutely disgusted” and the charity should be compensated for its efforts.

Although Futures for Dogs did not wish to comment, a post on the event’s Facebook page read: “It is with great sadness that as of today we have to announce the new organiser of the event no longer welcomes us. We have been informed dogs are nothing to do with the food festival, even though year after year we have been there with all our homemade treats, these are not classed as food.”

Steven Colburn, of the Deal Dog Community page, kindly arranged a new stall in Walmer, and the charity was able to continue selling its produce and raised £167.

A spokesman for Sandwich Food Fayre said: “It is disappointing that comments on social media suggest that the Food Fayre organisers did not welcome Futures for Dogs at the recent fayre. This is simply not true. The organisers turned down several requests for non-food stalls but made an exception for Futures for Dogs who were offered a pitch at no cost.

“They were allocated a space in King Street which was very accessible and was taken up on Saturday and was still available to them for free on Sunday. It is a pity that people have posted incorrect allegations on social media that are giving a very misleading account of events.

“Sandwich Community Events Association has always welcomed charity stalls at its events and has always waived the pitch fee. This event has been no exception despite what some comments are apparently suggesting.”