Get your dogs neutered

Rotherham Council's Dog Wardens have a daily battle dealing with the borough's unwanted, and often abused, pooches, which has directly lead from irresponsible breeding.

Despite dealing with a wide variety of breeds in their day-to-day jobs, by far the most popular breed dealt with by the Council's Dog Wardens are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or crosses of these breeds, who are particularly popular with young adults.

The issue of irresponsible breeding of these dogs has lead to many dogs being abandoned, passed on or, in worst cases, used to "bait" fighting dogs.

Rotherham Council's Dog Warden team are urging all dog owners to have their pets neutered to avoid unwanted litters who may end up abandoned or killed.

They promote neutering by handing out free vouchers provided by the Dogs Trust, to anyone who has a status type dog, SBT (Staffy) GSD (Alsatians) American Bull Dogs, Akitas, Rottweilers and all dogs that are crossed with these breeds.

They are available to everyone who is in receipt of a low income.

Responsible owner can get hold of these vouchers by phoning 01709 822453 / 822941.

Cabinet Member for Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods, Cllr Rose McNeely, said: "At the moment, Rotherham's Dog Wardens are fighting a losing battle against unwanted, abandoned and abused dogs and they need the public's help to turn the tide.

"On average, they're picking up at least three abandoned dogs each day, the majority are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, that's 60 dogs a month and, it's a cruel fact that without new homes, some of these dogs, through no fault of their own, are having to be needlessly destroyed.

"Often the dogs have some injury or ailment, such as skin complaints, other times they have been used for breeding and passed from owner to owner until they are no longer able to have puppies. At that point they are abandoned.

"The most shocking revelation has been that unwanted dogs, or 'free to good home' puppies, are being used as 'bait' for fighting dogs, and these harmless, often defenceless animals put against trained fighting dogs to be ripped to shreds.

"The wardens often have to involve the RSPCA, such is the state of the dogs which they pick up.

"There's little excuse for not getting your dog neutered, especially as it's free. Neutering is not only beneficial to the long term health of your beloved pet it also stops unwanted litters from being born who, often, don't sell anyway and go on to become 'free to a good home' pets, which can lead to them becoming victims of baiting and abuse.

"If you are a responsible owner, please get in touch with Rotherham's Dog Wardens and do the right thing by your pet and get them neutered!"

For more information or to claim your free voucher, please contact the dog warden service on 01709 822453 / 822941.