A Dartford woman claims she and her disabled brother are being forced out of their flat for owning too many pets.
Frankie Ward-Mullis, 27, of Alamein Gardens, has three dogs including two chihuahuas and a mongrel – and is refusing to dump one in order to stay in her one-bedroom flat.
She says Dartford Borough Council has given her and brother Harry Ward-Mullis, 23, who suffers from depression, four weeks to move out.
Frankie and Harry Ward-Mullis with their dogs
Miss Ward-Mullis told News Shopper: “There’s a two-pet policy but everyone has always known that we’ve had three dogs.
“And I’ve been told to get rid of one but there’s no way I’m going to do that – they are our life, we’re animal lovers and my mum adored dogs.
“She’s passed away and I feel I have to keep her memory alive.
“When I told the housing officer I’m not getting rid of one, she said ‘So, you need to make other arrangements.’”
Mr Ward-Mullis had brain surgery when he was just six years old to cure his severe epilepsy – it left him in a coma for months.
Subsequently, he has no movement in his right arm and right leg, leaving him to walk with a limp.
Miss Ward-Mullis took her brother out of a care home in Penge and he moved in with her 18 months ago.
She said: “When I took on my brother, it gave me a reason to live. I’m living to keep my brother safe. The thought of us being homeless is horrible - we’re going to end up in a caravan.
“I have never had a problem with my neighbours but they have phoned the council to tell them about the number of pets we have.
“The dogs have given Harry a reason to leave the flat – he walks them with me sometimes.”
The siblings also own fish and a parrotlet, a certain parrot species.
A Dartford Borough Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the explanation that Frankie Ward-Mullis has chosen to give for the council’s interest in her property.
“Housing and animal welfare officers have a duty of care whenever a large number of animals, birds and other living creatures are involved and we will continue to exercise that duty with diligence and sensitivity.”
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