A dog rescue centre may be forced to close if it cannot raise a considerable sum of money by tomorrow evening to pay off a legal settlement being brought by a former volunteer.

Wallace Kennels Dog Rescue, in Chivers Road, Stondon Massey, has cared for dogs since the 70s but after a dog bit a volunteer it may have to rehouse or terminate the dogs due to the litigation costs.

This afternoon, donations reached £5,000 but this pails in comparison to the sum needed - which cannot be disclosed due to legal issues.

The woman volunteered at the kennels for just a few months before a dog in the kennel’s care attacked her.

The dog described as a “large breed” caused “permanent scarring”, according to the kennel owner Dee Robinson.

At the time the kennel was being run by the late Vera Robinson MBE and the kennels insist the victim did not want the dog destroyed after the 2010 attack.

Vera passed away in September that year and her daughter-in-law Mrs Robinson took over.

Six months later solicitors contacted the kennels saying action was being taken due to injuries and psychological damage inflicted by the attack.

Owner of the kennels, which has around 30 dogs, Mrs Robinson told the Recorder: “First we must try to find other centres to take the dogs on but if we can’t find them in time we will have to put them to sleep.”

The kennels had no public liability insurance at the time of the incident and Mrs Robinson had to settle out of court due to escalating legal costs.

She had just 14 days to raise the money.

“My main aim is to save the kennels, that’s all that really matters to me at the moment,” she added.

“We seem to have an awful lot of support which is fantastic and we are so grateful.”

If you wish to donate call the kennels on 01277 821 032 or email wkrescue@btinternet.com

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