A DOG and a cat need new homes after their owners abandoned them at boarding kennels.

Kia, a Japanese Akita bitch, and tabby Kit-Kat have been at Carlton Kennels, near Aldbrough St John, Richmond, North Yorkshire, since April.

Now owners David and Val Loughborough have sold the business, due to Mrs Loughborough's ill health, and need homes for the pair.

The animals were expected to stay for a month while their owners, an Army couple, moved from Catterick Garrison to another military base in the South.

When they did not return to collect their pets, Mr and Mrs Loughborough, who have run the kennels since 1972, tried in vain to contact them.

After leaving messages on a mobile phone number, they eventually contacted the Army and were told the couple had split up, left the forces and there were no contact details.

They also received a text message saying that the wife had been seriously injured in an accident and was no longer able to look after pets.

"There is no way I can continue to look after the animals, I'm just not strong enough," said Mrs Loughborough, who has leukaemia.

She is unsure how old the animals are, but says that the Akita is a young dog and needs a knowledgeable home.

Mr and Mrs Loughborough, who will move to Barton, near Richmond, are unable to keep the abandoned cat because it fights with their own cat.

"It seems nice natured and very affectionate - too affectionate really, it keeps tripping me up," she said.

Anyone able to offer homes can call Mrs Loughborough on 01325-374616.