A number of people are choosing to sleep rough in Ireland because homeless accomodation centres will not take their dogs.

Most providers operate a 'no dogs' policy - meaning are denied access to shelter and support, because they have a dog

Demise Hyland and his dog, Millie, lived on the streets of Dublin for a number of months as potential accommodation could not allow himto keep his dog overnight.

The two are currently taking part in a new pilot scheme launched by the Dublin Simon Community and Dogs Trust last December - which hopes to change the way dogs belonging to homeless people are viewed.

The scheme is the first of its kind in Ireland, and sees Dogs Trust providing free treatments for Millie - such as vaccinations, kennel cough immunisation, flea treatments and microchipping - so that the Dublin Simon Community can allow the dog to stay overnight alongside her owner.

Commenting on the pilot scheme, Dublin Simon Community said: "We hope that a successful pilot case will encourage other accommodation providers to accept homeless people with dogs."

Kathrina Bentley, head of communications with Dogs Trust, added: "The bond between dog and owner and the lengths a person will go to in order not to be parted from their canine companion is truly unique."

"We are honoured to be part of such a special scheme and recognise that most homeless people struggle to afford even basic veterinary care for their dog, and hope in time, to help more homeless dog owners’ access veterinary treatment, without the worry of being faced with a bill they can't afford".

Dogs Trust currently has 206 dogs and puppies in their centre needing a home.