(UK) The dogs no one wants

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are being abandoned by pet owners who think they are too dangerous to own.

Many dog rescue centres, including Stokenchurch Dog Rescue in Oxford Road, are now facing a crisis as owners give up their Staffies.

In recent months, the bull terrier breeds have faced strong criticism after children have been attacked.

Anne Carroll, a trustee at Stokenchurch Dog Rescue, said: "With confusion reigning about what is and what is not classed as a dangerous dog' amongst the public as well as recent press coverage regarding dog attacks on small children, local rescue centres are facing a crisis.

"Staffordshire Bull Terriers are either being abandoned or brought in to us either by Dog Wardens or members of the public. For the same aforementioned reason, our chances of re-homing them are extremely small."

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the smallest type of Bull Terrier Breeds and can often be confused with Pitbulls.

This, according to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Welfare charity, may be one of the reasons so many of the dogs are now being abandoned.

John Laker, who is a volunteer for the South East division of the charity, is currently trying to rehome 50 dogs.

He said: "This is turning into a widespread problem. Sometimes people panic and get Staffs muddled up with Pitbulls but they are not an aggressive breed. They are definitely a people dog and 99 per cent of them, if they are properly trained, are very loving and good with people. I've never had a problem with them."

Many of the dogs now looking for new homes include those who have been neglected or used as part of the illegal dog fighting ring. This includes the dog pictured, who had to have his leg amputated after being left stranded with a broken leg on The Rye.

Ms Carroll added: "Despite its horrendous ordeal, this dog is an extremely affectionate and trusting lover of humans. But what is the hope of it finding a new owner in the current climate of misperception and confusion about dangerous breeds. Absence of correct information and ignorance condemns this and other Staffie dogs to a bleak future."

Reference: www.thisisbucks.co.uk

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