We are not allowed to foster because we are vegetarians

Dolly and Paul Saunders, of Kirdford, near Billingshurst, were told by social workers their home was not suitable for a child because they would not be willing to cook meat.

The husband and wife, both 43, responded to an advertising campaign flagging up the need for foster carers in West Sussex.

They have a ten-year-old son and thought a foster child would be good company for him.

But they were stunned when their initial application was refused because they mentioned they were vegetarians. Mrs Saunders, a former chef, said: "I said we would be happy for a foster child to eat meat at school, friends' houses or restaurants, but do not want to cook meat at home.

"I'm well aware of good nutrition but the council said a child might feel uncomfortable living with vegetarians.

"I was shocked because we're not sandal-wearing vegans who don't even eat honey because bees might have died."

West Sussex County Council told the couple that because they had said they would not allow a foster child to eat meat at home, their application would not be taken forward.

Mrs Saunders, who now works part-time as a florist, said her son Jake was happy and healthy on his vegetarian diet.

When his friends came to tea, she said, they ate vegetarian sausages and mash and could not tell the difference.

She said: "If we were to have a child living with us and be cooking veggie food for ourselves and then presenting the child with a different plate of food, that's going to make them feel uncomfortable straight away.

Mr Saunders, who provides lighting for the music business, said: "I don't think the council should base their decisions on diet."

A spokesman for the council said: "We have many foster carers who are vegetarian who will serve meat and fish.

"Mr and Mrs Saunders stated that they would be unable to offer this degree of flexibility." A statement issued later said the council was reviewing its guidelines and would reconsider the Saunders' application.