11th June 2008

Rehome A Staffie Says RSPCA

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The Staffordshire bull terrier has become the most unwanted dog in England and Wales, a new RSPCA survey has revealed. Through no fault of its own, the breed is suffering a bad press due to its aggressive image and popularity as a status symbol.

Published to mark the start of the RSPCA's Pet Adoption Week (Saturday 7 June to Sunday 15 June), the statistics show that the Staffie is the breed that ends up at RSPCA animal centres most frequently, followed by German shepherds, Rottweilers and Jack Russell terriers. The Staffie cross makes a second appearance in the list at number five.

The surge in Staffies was confirmed at a special RSPCA conference on dogs this week. Delegates from across the country reported animal centres overwhelmed by the breed.

The RSPCA believes so many Staffies are in need of new homes because sadly the breed is popular with irresponsible owners who are interested in their own image rather than their dog's welfare.

The Society is emphasising that it is bad and ill-informed owners who are to blame for the Staffie's aggressive reputation, not the dogs themselves. In fact, throughout RSPCA Pet Adoption Week anyone thinking of getting a dog is encouraged to consider a Staffie as, with the right owners, they can make the perfect pet.

RSPCA chief vet Mark Evans said, "Staffies have had a terrible press, but this is not of their own making - in fact they're wonderful dogs. If people think that Staffies have problems, they're looking at the wrong end of the dog lead!"

"When well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions. Our experience suggests that problems occur when bad owners exploit the Staffie's desire to please by training them to show aggression.

"If you're thinking of getting an animal, please visit an RSPCA centre during Pet Adoption Week and get to know one of the thousands of animals in our care. If you end up taking a Staffie or one of the other dogs on our 'most unwanted' list back, you'll know you've given an extra special animal a much-needed new home."

Popular breeds that are often requested by members of the public visiting RSPCA animal centres include Yorkshire terriers, Labradors, 'small breeds' such as terrier crosses, West Highland terriers, and Jack Russell terriers.

Professionally trained staff work hard to rehabilitate all animals in the Society's care. Before they can be adopted, each animal has a behavioural assessment and health check to help match them with the right new owner.

TV presenter and RSPCA Pet Adoption Week supporter Kate Humble (Autumn Watch, Spring Watch, Animal Park) recently adopted Badger, a crossbreed terrier, from the RSPCA's Newport Animal Centre. Poor Badger was severely underweight when he first arrived at the centre, but after some tender loving care he's looking forward to a happier, healthier life.

Kate said, "RSPCA Pet Adoption Week is vital for ensuring as many animals as possible get a really good second start in life. If you know you're ready for the responsibility of looking after a pet it's the most rewarding thing you can do."

For an information pack about adopting an animal from the RSPCA, call the dedicated Pet Adoption Week phone line on 0300 123 8484 - or find out more by visiting www.rspca.org.uk/paw.

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