Sign up to FREE email alerts from StaffordshireLive - Daily Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

More than 160,000 people have called for Staffies to stay off the dangerous dogs list, prompting a debate in Parliament today.

The House of Commons will discuss whether or not the current banned dogs list should be extended to include Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

The international animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) thinks banning the dogs would reduce animal suffering because Staffies are the most likely to be mistreated, abandoned and used in illegal fights, reports Stoke Live.

Meanwhile, Staffie owners argue that the dogs are often loving and gentle but are made aggressive by people mistreating them.

The government is currently reviewing the list and that will not be finalised by the debate in Parliament but MPs will get the chance to air their views when today’s debate begins at 4.30pm today.

(Image: People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA))

The debate has been prompted by an online petition set up by Staffie owner Steven Quinn, who has achieved enough signatures to have the issue discussed in the House of Commons.

He said: “Many people in the UK today have the pleasure of owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. As one of these people I can recommend them as being loving, loyal and caring. Far from dangerous they are great companions.

"It would be a terrible tragedy for the dog lovers of the UK to lose the right to own one of these great companions. We are calling on Parliament to save our Staffies and not have them banned as dangerous dogs, because they are not.

poll loading Should Staffordshire bull terriers be banned? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No

"People create dangerous dogs - people are the problem."

The Dangerous Dogs Act already covers the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo argentino and fila brasilerio and makes it illegal to own any of the dogs without a special exemption from a court - with the breeding, sale and exchange of the dogs, and cross-breeds, also banned.

A statement on Peta's website states: "Staffies are currently flooding UK animal shelters and have become by far the most commonly abandoned breed of dog in the country.

"They’re also one of the most abused – in fact, the RSPCA has confirmed that 80 per cent of its cruelty-to-animals prosecutions concern Staffies. The breed is also the most likely to be abducted and used by criminal gangs for fighting rings or as guard dogs.

"Given how vulnerable these dogs are to abuse, neglect, and abandonment, why would anyone fight the introduction of legislation that would prevent people from bringing more of them into a world that treats many so cruelly?"

The statement adds the group aren't calling for Staffies to be removed from 'loving homes' and that any legislation should allow spayed or neutered dogs to remain in their homes for the rest of their lives provided they are well cared for.

The debate will take place in the House of Commons from 4.30pm and will be opened by Helen Jones MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee.

A Government spokesman said: "The Government has no intention of prohibiting the keeping of Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

"The Parliamentary Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) are currently reviewing the law on the prohibition on certain types of dogs. EFRA invited any written evidence to be submitted to them by June 6, 2018.

"Once EFRA’s review is complete they will then publish a report with recommendations and submit it to the Government."

We've launched our very own app for Android and Apple devices which can be tailored to deliver the news and sport that you're interested in.

To download the IOS app click here.

To download the Android app click here.