Kennel asks dog lovers to reconsider breed

Old Clayton Kennels and Cattery in Storrington Road commonly welcomes Staffies into their kennels, but its not always under pleasant circumstances. Many are abandoned by their owners and left tied to a post outside the premises.

“Some are missing and the owner will collect them, but some are dumped and people just don’t want them,” said dog warden for Worthing Borough Council Russ Akehurst.

“Staffies are the bigger proportion that come through here than all the other breeds put together,” he added.

Earlier this year, a white Staffie, Polo, was found underweight, malnourished and with a terrible skin condition.

Kennel supervisor, Kat Bowler, said: “He tugged on all our heart strings here as he was such an affectionate, lovable dog despite the fact he had clearly been suffering.”

After months in the kennel, Polo now has a new owner and is looking happy and healthy, but it is not easy finding new homes for this once popular breed.

Melissa Oligario of Findon was looking for a dog and admits that initially she was put off by Staffies due to their association with dog fighting,

She said: “My first one I got was 14 years ago and when I rang the kennel they didn’t tell me the breed, otherwise I probably would have thought no, purely because of what I’d heard, but I went along, met the Staffie and straight away wanted to take her home, she’s such an amazing dog. Since then, I realise they’re not what the press report them to be. Then I got Aubrey from Old Clayton, and he’s just hilarious.”

To give a Staffie a home, visit Old Clayton (RH20 4AG) or call (01903) 742 930 for more details.