A DOG warden says the number of Staffordshire bull terriers looking for a new home in Worcester has risen “astronomically” in recent months.

Pip Singleton says that despite the dogs’ poor public image there is nothing wrong with the ‘Staffy’ breed, adding the increase is a result of “irresponsible owners and too much breeding”.

The news comes as Worcester-based re-homing group the Senior Staffy Club says it is trying to shift people’s perception of the breed being one which attacks people and is used by some owners as a status symbol.

“In council-owned pounds, dogs only have to be looked after and financed for eight days,” said Mrs Singleton.

“What we do at Worcester Regulatory Services is work hard to find rescue centres after the eight days but it is getting harder. There is only limited space.

“The increase in Staffies looking for a home has increased astronomically.”

Mrs Singleton says that after the eighth day she’s responsible for getting rescue places for them, but this can prove difficult.

“People are not offering them homes in the volume that they used to. There’s nothing wrong with these dogs. They really are lovely dogs with a lovely nature. We check their suitability for re-homing, and temperament.

“But there are too many Staffies being bred. You only have to do a Google search to see the amount of people selling them. It’s down to irresponsible owners and too much breeding. How we stop it I don’t know but everyone should be responsible for their dog.

“The number of the breed here in Worcester has increased. Every council dog warden is faced with the same problem each week.”

Earlier this week your Worcester News reported on the Senior Staffy Club, at Broomhall near Worcester, which says the breed’s negative image couldn’t be further from the truth.

Committee member Rebecca Norris said: “The Staffy breed has had a lot of bad press recently. But they’re loving dogs and love to be around people.”