Supporters

'If we cannot find workable solutions to the obvious problems of overpopulation and irresponsible ownership of Staffies in the UK today, then we cannot truly call ourselves a nation of animal lovers.

I believe much more can and should be done to raise awareness. Education and regulation is the key to alleviating suffering. In experienced hands, Staffies are wonderful, loyal family dogs, yet sadly many are slipping through the net and finding themselves living miserable, inadequate lives which are wholly unsuitable for this big hearted breed'

Maria Daines

Patron, Staffy Campaign

2009

Maria Daines has very kindly written and recorded a fantastic track especially for the Staffy Campaign. We just love the song and know you all will to! Please listen to this song and tell everyone you know about it!

A little over 12 years ago around 1997, I made a decision to get myself a dog. Having read several books on various breeds, I opted for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. At that time the idea of owning a rescued Staffie really appealed to me as I thought I could give a less fortunate little animal a second chance in life. Off I went to the R.S.P.C.A. to have a look around for a staffie, only to be told “ Sorry Sir, there are no staffies here and in fact we very rarely have any brought in” obviously a good thing for the staffies but not for me so I went on to several other animal re-homing organisations near to my home. I was met with the same story everywhere. That was when I made my decision to get a little staffie puppy and Laurel arrived. We have now spent nearly 13 wonderful years together and in that time she has not shown one ounce of real aggression toward anyone, which is why I entitled my book LAUREL – EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND.

Laurel is not unique in this trait by any means. My attention is often caught whilst out walking, of other staffies and, although I always ask the owners assurance that it is fine to make a fuss of their pet, the staffies all appear to respond in the same way – tail wags, licks, licks and more licks. I have never had one owner warn me not to touch the dog, it’s the usual “ no problem, he/she would put up with that all day”

At the moment the staffie is really having a raw deal all round. They are being over bred and the “ macho hard man” thinks that owning one is a perfect status symbol. Most of them then find out the dog is not “hard” at all, but a loving, faithful and loyal companion so it’s then dumped. The press don’t help on this matter either. With headlines such as “Devil dog savages child” and the familiar picture of a staffie bearing its teeth does nothing for the image. On many occasions the real story is an over excited staffie has jumped up and knocked a child over. Not very pleasant for the child, I agree but hardly a “savage attack” Of course any dog can be vicious but dogs will only attack if there is a reason. This reason could be fear, protection, pain, or any number of reasons that are never looked into after an “attack.” Also owners must come into question in some cases. A good responsible owner will always make sure their pet is well trained, treated with kindness, and always kept under their control when out of the home.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed is now top of the unwanted list in dog homes and animal sanctuaries all over the country – a stark contrast to 12 years ago. People must understand that, although they are a very powerful breed, and “homework” should be done before buying one, they are also loyal, loving and so much fun and this image of the “macho” dogs must be stamped out

This Staffie Campaign has my full backing and if anyone out there wants to but a staffie for the “macho” image I suggest you read my book to find out just how “hard” they really are.

STEVE MOORE (AUTHOR OF LAUREL – EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND)

You can buy Steve and Laurel's book and raise money for Staffy Rescue by clicking here