AN ANIMAL charity could lose out on hundreds of pounds this summer after they were charged to host a fund-raiser in a field – despite being given the land for free last year.
Homeless Hounds takes in dogs from across the Fylde Coast and cares for them at their Broughton base.
Last August’s family fun day at the Lawson’s Showground, Marton, raised £675 for the charity to take in and care for the unwanted pets.
Their day of dog shows, face painting and bouncy castles was a great success, but the charity has been forced to look elsewhere to host their show after Blackpool Council said they were unable to give them the same rate and charged Homeless Hounds a discounted £375 to use the field - £975 cheaper than what others would pay.
Chloe Horner, fund-raising co-ordinator, said: “It’s good to raise awareness of what we do in the area where the animals come from because a lot of people who lose their dogs wouldn’t know where to start.
“All the volunteers are unpaid and I do the fund-raising in my spare time, so it’s difficult when something like this happens.
“We try our best and do what we can, but if we were unable to do this it would have a big impact on what we can do for the dogs.”
A Blackpool Council spokesman said: “We are respectful of the good work the Homeless Hounds charity does and are always willing to help them how we can.
“Last year, the charity was able to make the most of a special, one-off rate. That offer is not one that we are able to offer every year.
“There are specific costs in terms of staff time, as well as legal and insurance costs that need to be met.”
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