Video plea over 'misunderstood' staffies

A viral video aimed at helping the Staffordshire Bull Terrier shed its associations with gang violence and anti-social behaviour has been launched by an animal welfare charity.

People hoping to learn more about the "misunderstood" breed are being invited to view and download a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) film about the "loving" role of "Staffies" in family life.

The film has been released as part of an RSPCA campaign to encourage people to consider giving a home to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The charity said up to 80% of dogs in many of its centres are Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Staffy cross breeds and this number is rising.

RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley said: "Staffies have been adored family pets in Britain for well over a century but we've certainly seen a change in the way that the breed has been treated in recent years.

"From the numbers we take into our dog centres, it's clear that increasing numbers of Staffies have been poorly trained and badly treated, and then abandoned when their owners find them too hard to manage.

"This video demonstrates how rewarding owning a Staffy can be.

"If you, or anyone you know, are thinking about rehoming or buying a dog, please share the video link and help us give new homes to thousands of Staffies who deserve our love and affection."