The pounds we work closely with, like most others around the country at this time, have seen a huge increase in the number of bull breed types being brought in by the Dog Wardens. Most rescues have had to close their doors to these breed types because they are already inundated with the sudden influx, and are having to be realistic about these dogs' chances of being rehomed. As a result the number of dogs being destroyed is rising.
Many of these dogs face 7 days at the pound, away from their homes before being put to sleep. The dogs at the pounds we work with are the 'lucky' ones who will signed into our care and be kept safe and secure until we can find them a home or rescue space
We at Rochdale Dog Rescue face a serious dilemma. Should we take the view that bull breed types are now doomed dogs, unlikely to find suitable, loving homes in the near future, and therefore focus on other breeds knowing that we are condemning to death those dogs that are more difficult to place?
We are struggling to find rescue spaces for many of the current bull breeds in our care. Often these dogs do not cope well with a kennel environment, and become severely depressed, or kennel stressed as a result, further hampering their rehoming chances.
Is it ethical to allow dogs to die purely because of their breed?
We at Rochdale Dog Rescue do not believe so, and we will endeavour to help any dog that comes via the pound. The pound are currently accepting an average of 1 bull breed type a day. With this breed type being refused by most rescues, the situation becomes more critical.
These wonderful dogs are also often overlooked by families looking for a new family member due to their 'reputation' when most would make excellent family pets, but are never given the chance
Our funds are already depleted due to the Christmas influx. We can only do what our funds, boarding spaces, and rescue space offers allow. Even we have to face the reality that without these resources, we will not be able to help all of the pound's bull breeds.
For every dog we manage to find a home or rescue space there are so many more who do not make it in different pounds around the UK. Approximately 25 unwanted stray dogs a day are put to sleep, most of them bull breeds.
Unfortunately people are still breeding the bull breeds to make money without any consideration for the number of dogs already looking for homes and to where the puppies will be in six months time - some of them end up being dumped and destroyed, sad and alone.
