Rise in unwanted Staffies reported
Image: North Clwyd Animal Rescue. Credit: Rob, Flintshire Chronicle
Concerns for "status dogs" have been ongoing amongst welfare charities and veterinary associations alike, and rescue centres have reported a rise in the number of unwanted Staffordshire bull terriers.
This report follows a recent study by Simon Harding of the University of Middlesex, which highlighted a troubling link between violent crime and the trade in dangerous dogs in the UK.
Back in February, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) also warned against breed-specific legislation and the banning of more dog breeds. President Peter Jones, said: "Adding more breeds will only criminalise more innocent dogs without educating the public about responsible ownership."
A spokesperson from the Dogs Trust said the charity is "very concerned" about the increased number of abandoned Staffies.
The problem is particularly pressing in urban areas, according to the charity, who run a City Dogs outreach program across Greater London, aimed at providing young bull breed owners with the tools to keep their dog healthy and under control.
The spokesperson added: "It is very much an owner’s responsibility to ensure their pet is well trained and socialised plus a dog must be thought of as a lifelong commitment, rather than a status symbol to keep up with a trend.”
North Clwyd Animal Rescue recently held an open day, which aimed to improve perceptions of Staffies. Nicky Owen, media relations and fundraising manager, said: "We as a rescue just want people to stop having this awful impression of Staffies and bull breeds – especially when they just read it in the press and have never actually met one in person."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
