Why Staffy Cross was formed


On the 13th September 2005, the following message was posted on an Internet dog rescue forum:

"I understand that last week the Staffordshire Bull Terrier rescues were meeting with the Kennel Club to discuss the crisis point which Staffordshire Bull Terriers and SBT cross breed dogs are causing in rescue.

The situation is that many of the dogs' homes are full to overflowing with this type of dog and very few people opt to give them suitable homes. The SBT rescue I have turned to in the past is unable to take any dogs in at the moment, having over 20 in private boarding kennels.

Yesterday, in our stray kennels, we had five SBT type dogs brought in. This, added to the three we already have, gives us eight of the most difficult to rehome dogs in the country.

I know some of them are lovely and find homes quickly but how do we convince people that having a litter from their SBT type dog just isn't a good idea.
Do we have to physically drag them round RSPCA Halewood, our kennels, and look
at the state of play?

I don't suppose there are any real answers, just needed to sound off!"

For those who use the forum, it wasn't anything new.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffy crosses were being destroyed every week, their breed costing them their lives. Full Staffords have breed rescue championing their cause but are unable to help with the crossbreeds and not many "non rescue" people are aware of the current plight of Staffy crosses.

We hope to try and change that.

The aims of Staffy Cross


We are a group of dog lovers and rescue workers who are concerned over the large number of Staffy crosses in rescues and pounds up and down the country.

For many in the dog pounds they will see out their seven days only to be put to sleep.

The ones that are lucky enough to have a rescue space then require the right home which can take much longer to find than a home for many other breeds.

Many people, through no fault of their own are unaware of the seriousness of the Staffy cross plight. We aim to show why numbers are at breaking point and how ensuring your dog is neutered will help save lives. I know where I live, pounds are few and far between and many people believe this to be the case throughout the UK. We will show that this, unfortunately, is not the case.

We intend to show people that Stafford types are not "devil dogs" but in fact ideal family pets with a great love of people. By publicising those in rescue we hope many can find their ideal home with ease. We will also include those dogs in desperate need of rescue placements in the hope that some lives can be saved.

We hope to offer help with regards to "all things Staffy!" From basic care and training to more serious issues, in the hope fewer Staffy types arrive in rescue. Many owners are not unsuitable owners just unaware of many things that some people take for granted. There's nothing to be ashamed of in asking for help, but there is in dumping a dog.

We aim to compile figures of actual numbers in rescues and pounds in order to see the full extent of the problem. Once we have full figures we hope to encourage the government to take a more active step to helping these animals.

We also hope to help raise much needed funds for those rescues who take in Stafford types, many of whom are ill, beaten or in need of general medical attention.

We hope, with the use of our posters and email newsletter, to see more supporters offering help.

I have been asked why I would like to see less of these dogs bred if I care for them so much.
The answer is simple.

I want these dogs to have a life, not merely exist for a time then to die at the hands of a stranger. These dogs deserve more than that.

That is our final and most important aim.

Please read through this site and look at what is happening to these wonderful dogs.
We are breeding these animals simply to die.
The shame of being a Staffy cross will cost them dearly.

Please ..... help us to help them.