Rescue dogs have lucky escape as kennels flood

Rescue dogs at the Eden Valley Rescue Centre had a lucky escape after it was hit by flash flooding.

The kennels at the Eden Animal Rescue centre near Penrith were under several inches of water yesterday during the deluge. 

Staff managed to help the 17 dogs and say none of them were harmed - but the centre says the bedding for the animals has all been ruined.

Sarah Bean, manager at Eden Animal Rescue, said: “As you can imagine, it was quite frightening for everybody. At one point, the dogs were stood in about five inches of water and beds were floating.

"Unfortunately, there wasn't anything we could do, although then we were waiting for help to sort of get rid of the water to be able to clean everything out for the dogs. So yeah, it was quite frightening for everybody."

The rescue centre cares for various abandoned animals, including cats and rabbits. But it was the 17 dogs in the kennel block that were affected by the rain.

Staff say the drains around the centre weren't able to cope with the sheer amounts of rainfall. 

Robert holder, trustee at the rescue centre, said: “The water was actually sort of basically well, it was a torrent really coming around the side of the kennel block, getting trapped here and then going inside the building.

"Trying to find a different way out. So, yes, it was most I wouldn't call it a dangerous situation where people are going to get washed away but I mean, basically, we had to protect the animals."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...