DARTFORD & GRAVESHAM NEWSSHOPPER (London, UK) 06 July 04 Reptile care home needing premises

Reptiles at a rescue centre are in danger of being put down if they are not found new premises at which to be cared for soon.

A family run the animal refuge in their semi-detached house but their housing association has now said the animals will have to go.

Tammie, 32, and husband Dave Bridge, 34, set up Second Chance Reptile Rescue at their home in Gascoyne Drive, Dartford, to care for ill and abandoned reptiles, and find them good new homes.

At first, the CDS Co-operatives Housing Association allowed the family to run the re-housing service from their home as a charity.

But the refuge is rapidly running out of space and now there are 180 animals in the house, the housing association says they are in breach of the tenancy rules.

CDS Co-operatives support officer Dennis Frederick said the company is acting on behalf of the residents' association.

He said: "The resident's association committee has decided it's not fair on other people living on the estate.

"The committee is giving the Bridge family time to move the rescue centre to new premises."

Mr and Mrs Bridge have two daughters, Leigh, 13, and five-year-old Jody, who love helping out with the animals.

They also have a son, Louis, 11, who looks after the insects and spiders.

Among the creatures living in the three-bedroom home are iguanas, bearded dragons, Burmese pythons, corn snakes and chameleons.

Mrs Bridge said: "They're in nearly every room, from floor to ceiling, and we're bursting at the seams."

The family have until Christmas find new premises. After then they will not be able to take in any more animals.

Any still not re-housed would have to be put down.

Mrs Bridge said: "It would break our hearts."

She added: "We desperately need sponsorship. There is a real need for our service, and we won't be able to keep the rescue centre going without some help."

She estimates they need to raise about £30,000 and need to find someone willing to let them use premises such as a warehouse or shed.

Anyone wanting more information, should call 01322 405848.
Reptile care home needing premises

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