Rather than buying a new puppy, Tara Boswell, a dog-warden at Croydon Council, is asking that people adopt an abandoned dog instead. Croydon has seen many dogs, particularly Staffordshire Bull Terriers, who have been discarded by their owners. Fifty percent of all dogs abandoned in Croydon are Staffordshire bull terriers with over 200 Staffordshire bull terriers being abandoned in Croydon each year.
Christmas is a particularly difficult time for Croydon’s council as they often see an influx of dogs. The abandonment of dogs has been blamed on factors such as owners not being able to afford their dogs up-keep due to the current recession, and the fact that some owners don’t know how to properly train their dog, especially if it’s a breed that requires more training such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Abandoned dogs, however, can be easily re-homed and can be loving, loyal companions. Tara Boswell and animal organizations are urging people to re-home dogs rather than going to a breeder, as there are hundreds of dogs in rescue homes, waiting for someone to take them home.
One of the most recent cases of abandonment involved a ten year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier who was found tied-up in a graveyard. Kind-hearted dog owner Christine Doré found the dog shaking, moaning and in poor condition. She managed to untie the dog and get him to a dog warden at Croydon Council, and even though the dog had been mistreated by its previous owner, he was nothing but trusting of Christine. He’s now waiting for a home.
If you’re interested in giving an abandoned dog a new home, then call Croydon Council 0208 726 6000. You can also give a dog a home by visiting one of these sites: www.alldogsmatter.co.uk, www.redsrescue.co.uk and www.croydonanimalsamaritans.co.uk.