A heartbroken Ashburton family has been forced to give up their loyal dog.

Owner Mel Quinn said her landlord revoked the decision to allow the dog, due to his size.

“He loveliest natured dog, goes to the dog park most days and is well socialised” said she on a Facebook post.

“If cats stay still long enough for him to sniff them he’d leave them alone too. Desperately needing to find a loving family home for our boy.”

Quinn said she was issued with a 14 day vacate dog order and has been in touch with Tenancy Services.

“I am exhausted, and have been unable to find other accommodation for us all and I’m am at the final hurdle.”

Tenancy Services states that “if the landlord allows pets, make sure you write any conditions into the tenancy agreement.”