Staffies are safe, say Gloucestershire experts

What's the difference between a Staffordshire bull terrier and a pit bull terrier?

A lot, is the answer.

That is the message the chairman of RSPCAs Cheltenham branch, Lorraine Kirkham, and animal behaviourist Hannah Temimi are trying to make clear in the lead-up to Christmas.

Despite similar physical features, Staffordshires are calmer and are not on the dangerous dogs list, drafted in 1991.

Lorraine said: "We're not saying all Staffies are safe.

"It is very much up to a suitability match with their owner. They need their own space and plenty of exercise.

"Staffies are extremely loyal and despite public opinion can be good with children."

Cheltenham RSPCAs re-homing centre has received four Staffies this year after owners claimed they were too boisterous. All have since been re-homed.

However, one Staffie, Precious, has been at the Springbank site for 18 months despite regular visits from the public.

The three-year-old was found by an RSPCA inspector, tied up in her owner's back garden.

Although she had not been mistreated, there were signs she had been left for long periods without food and water.

Hannah said: "Precious is fun and there's not a bad bone in her body.

"The problem is her energetic nature. It's important she goes to the right home.

"It is important that Staffordshire and pit bull terriers are not bracketed together. It's not fair that Staffies, which are very different in nature, are labelled just as dangerous.

"The Dangerous Dogs Act is there for a reason and those dogs need to be banned."

Hannah and Lorraine's call for understanding is backed by The Kennel Club, which recommends Staffies as one of the safest family dogs because of their gentle nature.

Hannah is offering free training for Precious and her new owner.