Rescue centre launches campaign to champion Staffies
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"Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with"
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have teamed up with Foal Farm Animal Rescue in a bid to show people the softer side of Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
The campaign, 'They're softer than you think', aims to raise awareness of the plight of the Staffie, challenge negative perceptions about the breed and show the true soft character of the dogs.
Foal Farm and Battersea are the last hope for thousands of unwanted and abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie crosses. During 2013, the Kent rescue centre cared for and re-homed 65 Staffies and Staffie crossbreeds looking for new homes.
Laura Jenkins, head of animal services at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home says: "Battersea has seen a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into its care and around a third of the dogs we take in are Staffies and Staffie crosses. We know what wonderful family pets they can be and it's great to have the chance to work with Foal Farm to spread the word and give Staffies the second chance they deserve.
As part of the campaign, the rescue centre will be working with responsible local Staffie owners.
Sarah Mitchell, kennel supervisor at Foal Farm adds: "Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with. We have some great local residents who have re-homed Staffies from us who are tremendous ambassadors for the breed."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
