A DISABLED man has been evicted from his home after refusing to give up his beloved emotional support dog.
Kevin Cobie says he faces living in his car with his Staffy after being dobbed into his landlord by a neighbour, who refused to bend a no animals policy.
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The 59-year-old, who suffers with depression and relies on painkillers having shattered his legs in a window fall, says he’d rather die than give up pet dog Memphis.
He told The Sun: “I can’t get rid of him now, I’ve had him for nearly two years. If he goes I’ll go downhill, I’d probably top myself.”
Kevin’s legs are “full of metal” after he drunkenly jumped out of his mum’s window around 25 years ago, smashing his tibia fibulas, admitting: “I’m lucky I can still walk, to be fair.”
Memphis means he has a reason to get out of the house, and prior to adopting him at eight weeks old, he said he rarely left his flat in Cricklewood in north west London.
“The doctor went mad at me so I got a dog to get me out of the house,” Kevin explained.
“I take my painkillers and then about an hour after I take the dog out because I don’t feel it.”
He had been “going from hostel to hostel” for months before Barnet Council found him the first floor accommodation, which is operated by a private landlord.
However, he claims just a couple of months after bringing Memphis to live with him, a neighbour reported him as there is a strict no animals policy.
Kevin said: “I said I’ve got him for my mental health. He doesn’t bark, he’s no problem.
“I’ve trained him, he walks fine by my side. I can’t have him pulling me or I’ll go flat on my face.
“If he walks on his own, he leaves everyone alone. He’s learned quickly.”
However, he claims the neighbour lied, saying the dog barks all night and “goes to the toilet everywhere”.
Kevin was quickly sent the first of several eviction notices – and bailiffs finally arrived on Thursday morning to boot him out.
He said for the last 18 months he’s been appealing to the council to find him alternative accommodation.
But alleges he’s been told he’s “not vulnerable enough” to escalate his case, and has been warned most properties do not allow animals.
He receives just £1,150-a-month in ESA and PIP payments and cannot afford to rent regular accommodation.
What are your rights?
RULES and regulations can vary between housing estates, local councils and landlords so it is always best to check any signed contract.
Certain pets may be allowed while others not, for instance registered guide dogs, heard dogs or assistance dogs are often permitted.
Other small domestic pets such as hamsters, caged birds, fish etc. could also be allowed as long as they do not cause damage to the property or nuisance to nearby residents.
Even if it seems you are able to keep a pet under your housing contract, you also remain responsible for the pets welfare including day-to-day management.
This also makes pet owners responsible for the control of pets including fouling, noise, smell or injuries caused by the animal.
Often local authorities and landlords can take action if this is breached.
A blanket ban on keeping pets in a tenancy agreement is usually not allowed but often a landlord’s written permission needs to be sought for those wanting to keep a pet.
This opens up the circumstances a landlord could refuse a pet, for instance it might be deemed reasonable for permission to not be given for a large dog in a small flat.
The new Renters’ Rights Bill included new rules for ‘pets in lets’ making it easier to find a place for animal owners.
If a landlord does say no to a request, a tenant can challenge this decision.
Tenants must also be able to confirm they have insurance for their pets or that they are willing to pay “reasonable” costs to cover any damage.
By the 42nd day after the date of request, a landlord must have made a decision.
Source: The City of London and Money Helper
Kevin originally moved to the borough when he was around 40 to live with his partner in Kentish Town.
“I used to deliver fruit and veg to schools,” he explained. “I began seeing the head chef of one of the schools.
“I gave up my flat in Woodford to live with her. Six and half years later we went our separate ways, and I went from hostel to hostel until I got this place.”
He previously slept rough for several months aged around 19 or 20 before being offered a place in a shelter.
Kevin was evicted by two bailiffs on Thursday morning and now he faces living in his KIA Picanto with Memphis.
He added: “Everything is hitting me at once. I don’t know which way to turn.”
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You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
