A FAMILY who have been forced to sell their home to avoid repossession now fear they may lose their beloved pets as they can’t take them to temporary accommodation.

Penny Rowe and her three children are desperate to find somewhere for their four animals to stay while they wait to be rehoused or they will have to give them away.

Mrs Rowe said all the animal charities she has contacted cannot take the three cats and a dog on a temporary basis and can only rehome them.

This weekend the family are moving to a two-bedroom, first-floor flat until they are able to secure suitable permanent accommodation. Mrs Rowe, of Farleigh Road, Pershore, said: “We love our pets and can’t bear to give them away. My children will be absolutely devastated if we lose them.

“It is such a terrible situation and I don’t know what to do.

“After my divorce the bills just started to pile up and I couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments. I got into a lot of debt and was forced to sell the house or have it repossessed.

“We are being moved into a two-bedroom flat while we wait for a more suitable house to become available through Wychavon (District Council) but we can’t take the animals with us.

“We are at the top of the priority list, so hopefully it will only be for a few weeks.

“I have asked friends and relatives but they have all got pets of their own and I can’t afford to pay for them to be looked after.”

The 43-year-old retired nurse is now urging any kennels or catteries to come forward and offer to look after Mr Bubbles, Squeeky Beans, Snuggles and Maddie, an Italian spinone.

Mrs Rowe’s oldest daughter Becky, aged 18, is studying at Worcester College of Technology. Sarah, 16, is a pupil at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, Worcester, and Matthew, nine, attends the city’s Cherry Orchard Primary School.

A spokeswoman from Spa Housing, which has allocated the temporary flat, said: “It would certainly be true that some of our properties will have a restriction on pets and animals to ensure the well- being of the animals and family are put first.”

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA said: “Looking after animals on a temporary basis is not a service that we offer. If animals are handed to us then they will be signed over and then rehomed.”

Anyone who wants to help the Rowe family can call 01905 742244.