Drive to give dogs a loving home

11:41am Friday 6th June 2008

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LEFT unwanted and unloved, these misunderstood mutts have found themselves unable to find loving homes.

Labelled as aggressive, vicious and dangerous, it is not difficult to understand why Staffordshire bull terriers have become the least desirable dog to keep as a pet in the country.

But with the launch of RSPCA Adoption Week tomorrow, staff at Hampshire's Stubbington Ark are urging dog lovers to look beyond the animals' unjustified reputation and see them for the perfect pets that they can be.

Watch the dogs in action here

Kevin Manning, RSPCA south and south west animal welfare manager, said: "If well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions."

One dog desperately seeking a loving home is seven-year-old Marley, a handsome Staffordshire bull terrier cross who has been at the Ark for almost a year. He will need an assertive and experienced owner who can give him calm handling and patient training.

Another is Jasper, a Dogue de Bordeaux-Staffie cross, who was the victim of a domestic split. He is a friendly dog who needs an experienced owner who will take the time to train him and needs to be the only pet in his new home.