24th June

Nettie, who despite our best efforts did not have a happy ending.

Mace's appeal certainly caught a lot of peoples attention.

Sadly Mace is just one of hundreds of Staffords in this situation and he did have an owner who cared enough to do his best for him when circumstances dictated that he could no longer keep him.

Due to the huge numbers of Staffords and Staff crosses it does mean that many have to die, there are just not enough good homes to go round.

I personally think an owner making the decision to put a dog down, because they can no longer look after it and rather than let it spend months in rescue kennels or be shoved from pillar to post, is a responsible attitude and to be commended. It should not be confused with the people who do literally abandon their dogs or pass it to a rescue not caring what happens, saying,"They found him a lovely home!" When in reality the rescue discover the dog is un-homable and after lots of time, money and anguish end up being the ones who have to make the decision and put the dog down and suffer the terrible emotions that accompany it.

The Stafford Forum formed with Battersea, SBT rescues and breed council members,of which we are part, are trying to tackle the huge problems facing Staffords.

They have written to Lord Henley asking for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs.

It is slow progress but it is a start.

Today we heard from an organisation called Animal Rescue & Care ( ARC ) who are offering FREE neutering for Staffies and Bull breeds during July/August

This is open to all private owners only requiring them to take their dog to certain vets our nearest is Twickenham Veterinary Surgery 0208 898 0528

We hope to display a poster to download soon.

If you know of anyone who could benefit from this please let them know.

Two things helping to make a difference.