Homeless after an impossible choice he may live in his car with his dog after neighbor complaints.
Kevin, age 59, has depression and relies on painkillers due to broken legs. He said he’d rather die than lose his dog, Memphis, whom he’s had for two years. Losing Memphis would make his health worse.
Years ago, Kevin broke his tibia and fibulas when he jumped out of his mom’s window while drunk. He admits he is lucky to still walk. Memphis gives him a reason to leave his house, as before Memphis, he rarely left his flat. He adopted Memphis as a puppy when a doctor encouraged him to get a dog to help him get out more often. He takes painkillers and walks Memphis, not feeling the pain as much.
Kevin lived in hostels for months before Barnet Council found him a flat. The building, operated by a private landlord, has a strict “no animals” policy, and a neighbor reported him for having Memphis soon after he moved in. Kevin said Memphis helps his mental health, doesn’t bark, and causes no problems.
Kevin trained Memphis to walk beside him, needing him to walk calmly to avoid falling. Memphis leaves people alone when walking freely. However, neighbors claimed Memphis barks all night and goes to the toilet everywhere, leading to eviction notices. Bailiffs evicted him on Thursday morning.
Kevin appealed for other housing over eighteen months. Allegedly, the council said he is “not vulnerable enough” and warned him most places don’t allow animals. He gets £1,150 monthly from ESA and PIP, which isn’t enough to afford regular rent.
Rules vary by location, so check your signed contract carefully for clarity. Some pets are allowed, but others may not be; guide dogs are often permitted. Small pets may be okay if they don’t damage property or bother residents. Pet owners must care for their pets and are responsible for their pet’s behavior, including noise, odors, and injuries. Authorities can act if rules are broken.
A blanket ban on pets is usually not allowed, and landlords often need to provide written permission. A landlord can refuse a pet request if the pet is too large for a small apartment. New rules should make it easier to house animal owners. Tenants can challenge a landlord’s refusal if they have pet insurance or pay for damage their animal causes. Landlords must decide on requests in 42 days.
Kevin lived with his partner in Kentish Town earlier, delivering fruit and vegetables to schools. He dated a school chef and gave up his flat to live with her. They separated after six years, then he lived in hostels before his flat and slept rough before shelter at about age 20.
Two bailiffs evicted Kevin on Thursday. Now he may live in his car with Memphis, feeling overwhelmed by the situation; the pair stayed at a hotel on Thursday night.
Suicide impacts people everywhere, affecting all parts of society and is the biggest killer under 35, killing more than cancer and car crashes. Men are more likely to die by suicide. The Sun launched the “You’re Not Alone” campaign, which aims to share advice, raise awareness for mental health, and break down barriers, This empowers all to save lives: ask for help and listen to others.