Neutering plea to Staffie owners

THE Staffordshire bull terrier is the dog most likely to become unwanted in Derbyshire, according to the RSPCA.

This is revealed by figures released to coincide with a campaign urging owners to have their dogs neutered.

As of mid-April 12 of the 94 abandoned dogs collected by the RSPCA in its East region were Staffies or Staffie crosses.

In 2008, 90 of the 354 abandoned dogs rescued were Staffies or Staffie types.

RSPCA branches and animal centres in the region report that Staffies and Staffie crosses are by far the breed they see the most of. More than three-quarters of Staffies/Staffie crosses taken in were male.

RSPCA superintendent Kelly Rivers said: “Staffies and other bull dogs and terriers are wonderful dogs. The problems are not usually with them but at the other end of the lead, with owners who buy them for the wrong reasons."

The most common reasons for giving up these dogs were that owners could no longer care for them or could not afford to keep them.

The RSPCA stresses there are many responsible bull dog owners and is hoping to find out more about attitudes towards these dogs. Owners are asked to visit www.rspca.org.uk to fill in a short questionnaire about their dog.

Many RSPCA branches are now offering huge discounts on neutering bull dogs and terriers. For details call 0300 1234 5555 or visit www.rspca.org.uk.

Local animal centres say Staffies and Staffie crosses are by far the breed they see the most of.