Kennel asks dog lovers to reconsider breed

Old Clayton Kennels and Cattery in Storrington Road commonly welcomes Staffies into their kennels, but its not always under pleasant circumstances. Many are abandoned by their owners and left tied to a post outside the premises.

“Some are missing and the owner will collect them, but some are dumped and people just don’t want them,” said dog warden for Worthing Borough Council Russ Akehurst.

“Staffies are the bigger proportion that come through here than all the other breeds put together,” he added.

Earlier this year, a white Staffie, Polo, was found underweight, malnourished and with a terrible skin condition.

Kennel supervisor, Kat Bowler, said: “He tugged on all our heart strings here as he was such an affectionate, lovable dog despite the fact he had clearly been suffering.”

After months in the kennel, Polo now has a new owner and is looking happy and healthy, but it is not easy finding new homes for this once popular breed.