Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th December 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Staffies are most abandoned dog breed, RSPCA reveals
Nova is one of many Staffies reported abandoned in 2023.
1,316 Staffies have been abandoned in 2023 so far.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has revealed that Staffordshire bull terriers (Staffies) are set to be the most abandoned dog breed in 2023, with 1,316 reports so far.

This is followed by the French bulldog, which has had 582 reports, and the German shepherd, with 542 reports.

The statistics have been released as the RSPCA experiences a three-year high of animal dumping reports in 2023.

The animal rescue charity has already seen 16,040 abandoned dogs reported this year, an increase on the 15,666 reports in 2022. Some of the individual calls received by their emergency line referred to multiple abandoned dogs.

Among the dogs rescued by the RSPCA is Nova, a three-year-old Staffie crossbreed who was abandoned by her owners. Following her ordeal, Nova was stressed and nervous around strangers and new surroundings.

She is now looking for a permanent home, and her carers are confident she will settle in quickly.

However, the RSPCA fears that increased abandonment rates could mean that more dogs will have a difficult winter, putting further pressure on their volunteers.

They are appealing for donations to their Join Our Christmas Rescue campaign, which aims to ensure that their rescue teams are able to continue rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals.

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA inspectorate commissioner, said: “These figures show that, despite being man’s best friend, we are seeing far too many dogs being sadly abandoned by their owners - and we fear the winter could be bleak for countless dogs.

“The cost of living is one of the biggest barriers to animal welfare and is making it harder for some owners. Many pet owners are struggling, even more than last year, which is likely impacting these shocking figures.

“Regardless of their breed, all dogs are loving and loyal to their owners so it’s heartbreaking that people decide to abandon them, instead of asking for help.”

Those interested in making a donation can set up a one-off or monthly donation here.

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.