A STAFFORDSHIRE Bull Terrier rescue charity in Fenland has been awarded a �2,000 grant by the Kennel Club to help it cope with the huge number of dogs coming through its doors.

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust awarded the grant to Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue in Leverington, which regularly receives dogs needing expensive treatment from across Cambridgeshire and beyond.

Just one example is Macy, a blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier bitch, who was the victim of an irresponsible owner who over bred her to make money from her litters. Macy was extremely ill and emaciated when she came into rescue, requiring expensive treatment to get better.

Christine Clark, chairman of Staffordshire Bull Terrier Rescue, said: “We are delighted that we have been recognised by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, and have been awarded this much-needed grant.

“Unfortunately the number of dogs coming to us has tripled and our veterinary and food costs have risen accordingly.

“Staffordshire Bull Terriers are such gorgeous loving dogs and it is hard to understand how so many end up being abandoned.”

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been demonised in the media because they have a similar appearance to Pitbull Terriers, which are banned under the current Dangerous Dogs Act.

The Kennel Club acts as the secretariat for the Dangerous Dogs Act Study Group, which is currently supporting a parliamentary bill which would put an end to breed-specific legislation and put the onus on the owner as being responsible for a dog’s behaviour instead.