Staffies are not a lifestyle accessory
People buying pets as lifestyle accessories or status symbols have caused a massive 67 per cent increase in unwanted Staffordshire bull terriers, Blue Cross warned today.
Our rehoming centres are overwhelmed with staffies and their crossbreeds. We saw a two thirds increase in the number admitted in 2012, compared with five years ago.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg - we are only able to help a small fraction of unwanted staffies. Last year we had room for just 15 per cent of the staffies we received enquiries about, having to put the rest on waiting lists or refer them to other charities.
Tracy Genever, Education Manager for Blue Cross, said: “Staffies are still very much a trend in some areas. Young people often buy them from friends or are given them, but don't know enough about caring for them and end up giving them up for rehoming when they can't cope.
“Our RespectaBULL workshops aim to get young people thinking about the issues involved with owning a bull breed and will hopefully lead to a generation of more responsible dog owners and fewer unwanted dogs.
“With some planning and support staffies can be great companions.”
Sasha (pictured) is just one of more than 20 staffies currently being cared at Blue Cross. Already unwanted at just six months old, Sasha's owner brought her to our rehoming centre in Bromsgrove when they quickly realised they didn't have enough time for her.
Neil Edwards, Blue Cross Centre Manager, said: “The problem of unwanted staffies has been in the news for a few years now, but the situation is still getting worse.
“Sadly, lots of people still seem to be getting them without giving their decision enough thought and end up giving them up when they realise how much care dogs really need.
“Blue Cross receives around 150 enquiries every month about unwanted staffies and on top of that, there are even more that have been abandoned. It's heart breaking that we don't have space for all of these lovely dogs in need of loving new homes.”
