A WORCESTER veterinary assistant has been inundated with support for her campaign to prevent Staffordshire Bull Terriers being banned in Britain.

Lisa Jackson launched her crusade following reports that the German government planned to ask the European Parliament to introduce a ban on "dangerous" breeds, including Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

The ban would not include dogs like Rottweilers or German Shepherds.

Mrs Jackson, who works at the Brentknoll Veterinary Centre in Bath Road, has already collected more than 260 names on a petition, which she plans to send to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in a few weeks.

"The response has been really good," she said. "A lot of people have come in and signed the petition and a lot of people are talking about it."

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are the ninth most popular breed in Britain with an estimated 300,000 "Staffys" in British homes.

Phil Buckley, press officer for The Kennel Club, said that despite British parliamentarians lobbying their German counterparts, there was still cause for concern.

"What we're still most concerned about is that, although our MPs have said they will vote against it, we'd be over-ruled in the European Parliament should it be tabled at European level, which is the Germans' intention," he said.

Germany's bid to ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers and other 'bull' breeds followed the fatal mauling of a six-year old boy in Hamburg by an American Pit Bull Terrier (already outlawed in Britain) and an American Staffordshire Terrier, which is not the same as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

But Worcester MP Michael Foster believes it is a "knee jerk" reaction.

"It's clearly an over-the-top reaction by campaigning groups in Germany," said Mr Foster who has written to the Home Office enclosing letters from constituents.

"As a former owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, I'm acutely aware of the nature and temperament of these dogs.

"I will fight this legislation on behalf of my constituents and all Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners."

County Councillor and former Mayor of Worcester Les Thomas has also lent his support to the campaign.

Anybody who would like to add their name to the petition should call into the Brentknoll Veterinary Centre, Bath Road, Worcester or phone Lisa Jackson on 01905 355938.