Battersea opposes addition of the Staffie to banned breeds

A petition opposing calls to add the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to the banned breeds list will be debated before Parliament today, 16th July 2018. The debate will take place in the House of Commons, Westminster Hall at 4:30pm, and you can watch the debate live on Parliamentary TV.

The petition can be found here Reject calls to add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Battersea strongly opposes adding Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the banned breed list.

A Battersea Dogs & Cats Home spokesperson said: "We have, and always will, champion Staffies for their loving, gentle and loyal natures. Last year we rehomed 350 Staffies that have become wonderful, life-changing companions and their new owners constantly tell us that these dogs make a wonderful addition to their family. 

"Staffies are a much-maligned breed that don't deserve a bad reputation. We know that in the right environment, and with the right owners, Staffies can and do make ideal family pets. Thousands of proud owners will tell you that Staffies really are softer than you think. We know these owners, just like us, will be appalled by the slightest suggestion of banning the breed. The fact that over 150,000 people have signed this petition is testament to how many people across the UK love Staffies and have had their lives touched by these great dogs.

"There are, of course, dangerous dogs in our communities, but Battersea does not believe a dog is dangerous simply because of the way it looks. We support a common-sense approach that says dogs should be judged on what they do, not on what they look like. We, and every other major dog welfare organisation, are opposed to breed-specific legislation - which has failed to protect the public. Dog attacks have continued to rise since four breeds of dogs were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, proving that these laws do not work. Adding another breed to the list will not keep the public safe and will lead to thousands more innocent dogs being needlessly put to sleep."