ANIMAL rescuers say Staffordshire bull terriers are being abandoned because their loutish owners want them to be more violent.

In the past two weeks, at least 15 have been found across Basildon and Thurrock, the most recent on the hard shoulder of the A13 at Stanford-le-Hope.

Michael Knight, co-owner of Gemini Kennels in Wickford, believes so many of the breed are being dumped because men who buy them quickly get bored when they find they don't fight like pitbulls.

He said Staffordshire bull terriers were often wrongly labelled "yob dogs".

Although they are lively, they are generally not aggressive and are very affectionate. Mr Knight said: "Unprecedented numbers of these dogs are unfairly being thrown out by their owners.

"When people realise they aren't going to get what they want from the dog, they just dump them. These people disgust me."

He added: "Staffies are not like pitbulls. They are really lovely dogs, although they are often portrayed as vicious.

"Out of the 15 we have here, none is aggressive and none has been involved in fighting."

Experts say the number of Staffordshire bull terriers abandoned rose nationally after pitbulls, with which they can be confused, were banned under the Dangerous Dog Act.

Mr Knight said: "Whenever there's media coverage of a pitbull mauling a child, we usually see a rise in the number of staffies being discarded.

"But lately it has been phenomenal.

"They don't deserve this treatment."

Mr Knight said the dogs will make great pets for the right owner who can give them plenty of stimulation.

  • Anyone interested in giving one of the dogs a home should call the kennels on 01268 725825.