DEVASTATED Penparcau pet-owners are being ordered to give up their dogs or lose their tenancies after a member of the public was bitten.

Tenants in Tai Ceredigion flats have been given letters saying that if they have dogs they must rehouse them within 30 days or their tenancies will be revoked.

That has sparked fury amongst residents.

Claire Haddon, one of the tenants threatened, hit out at the social housing landlord saying that tenants who have had dogs for several years have now been given an ultimatum.

Claire said she would not be giving up her dogs, who she said helped her with disability problems and had never caused any problems.

She said: “I’m disappointed and annoyed. They’re saying if you don’t rehome your dogs within 30 days you’ll lose your tenancy.

“I’ve been there four years and I know that three of my neighbours have had dogs in that time.

“That I’m aware of there’s been no issue at all. I’ve got two dogs and there’s never been any issues with my dogs at all.

“As far as we’ve heard the reason is that one owner failed in their duty as a dog owner and their dog bit somebody.

“Everybody else now is suffering for it. Why should we all be punished? It’s completely unfair.”

Chief executive Steve Jones said: “Tai Ceredigion’s tenancy agreements and policies detailed in the handbook are in place to offer our tenants security."

He added: “We have had recent experience of unmanaged dogs on some of our estates causing issues such as damage, fouling and presenting a danger to others including our visiting staff (one of whom was bitten)."

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