Irresponsible dog owners are abandoning Staffordshire bull terriers in alarming numbers, Wandsworth Council’s Dog Control Unit reports.

Over the last three months the unit has rescued 34 dogs - almost a three-fold increase compared to the same period last year.

Of these 34 strays 23 are Staffordshire bull terriers or similar breeds.

These dogs were bought in large numbers when it was fashionable to own a ‘Staffie’.

Now they are no longer trendy, they are being dumped on streets and in parks.

With little hope of tracking the dog’s owners this is difficult to punish, leaving charities and local authorities to deal with the consequences.

The council hopes its scheme to make it compulsory for council tenants to microchip their dogs stamp the dumping.

The rules will come into force for new tenants from January 5, with existing tenants having until June to have their dogs chipped.

Mark Callis, head of the dog control unit, said: “The plan to enforce micro-chipping will make the prospect of dog ownership a serious and long-term commitment for people living on Wandsworth’s estates.

“Those that view dogs as mere fashion accessories will be discouraged from taking up ownership and those that do shirk their responsibilities will be easily traced.”

Find out more about micro-chipping phone 020 8871 7606.

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