BRITAIN'S UNWANTED PETS - PANORAMA-BBC One, Monday 2nd August, 8.30 pm

gettingready

BRITAIN'S UNWANTED PETS - PANORAMA
BBC One, Monday 2nd August, 8.30 pm
Last year saw a big increase in the numbers of stray dogs recorded as being picked up in the UK. Tom Heap discovers that many of the unwanted dogs in pounds and rescues are Staffordshire Bull Terrier types – and asks why so many of them are being let go and destroyed. Has the fashion for aggressive looking ‘status’ dogs contributed to the numbers of abandoned pets the authorities are now having to deal with? Panorama has gained access to one of the most famous animal rescues in the world, Battersea Dogs Home, and reveals the shocking truth of the numbers of dogs it is having to put to sleep.
Reporter: Tom Heap
Producers: Elizabeth Byrne, Steph Atkinson
Editor: Tom Giles
Elizabeth Byrne
Producer, TV Current Affairs

jenny_13

I'm really looking forward to seeing what they say. When we went to look for a dog the vast majority at the rescue homes we staffie crosses.

**dancingbutterfly**

i live in shropshire and we are adopting a 6 week old staffy pup on tuesday. A lot of the strays at the local rspca and dogs trust are staffys. Its such a shame as theyre such good family dogs! from my experience anyway!

Be very interested to see what happens.

tcr_3

BBC have a news item & video up this morning ... I'm too chicken hearted to watch.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10807271

hethmar

Well I just steeled myself to watch that clip and to be honest, poor bloody Brandy is going to be put down after a few second test where they walk him up to another dog. Brandy goes stiff and pulls on the lead and is deemed too aggressive to live. Well, Im sorry but I think my 2.5 legged Jack Russell would do exactly the same thing in the same circs. Surely they should give a few more tests before they kill dogs.

Mutter_2

Over 2,800 dogs put down at Battersea every year. An average of 8 dogs a day, 365 days of the year.
Unfortunately, I don't think this programme will tug many heart strings of those who put them there.
It'll be us as usual, the dog lovers who will feel most affected.

laurel7172

I can't help but wonder if it's desperation. They need an excuse to get rid of some dogs or be overwhelmed.

And the outcry and drop in donations that's likely to follow this won't help either.

What would help, though? Compulsory chip and licence? Cue outcry from responsible dog owners!

hethmar

I dont know what would help as it would be the same old law abiding joes that comply and the scum of the earth who dont ...

The only thing I could see would be to have a compulsory neutering of all male dogs unless you held a breeders licence. It would then be obvious if you had complied with the law (although no doubt some poor devils would never see the light of day because of scum breeding them illegally).

And of course it would probably be the end of lovable cross breeds, but well, Id be willing to forego that.

Sagz_2

tcr wrote: »

BBC have a news item & video up this morning ... I'm too chicken hearted to watch.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10807271

I wish Brandys breeder and owners were sat down and made to watch this.

The worry is though...... would they care?

hethmar

Dont spose so Norbs, they are probably on to the next cuddly puppy by now.

EmptyPockets

Ahhh... is it just me or does this issue make anyone else feel... bewildered :sad: and almost speechless.

I find myself feeling very depressed whenever we visit the local animal resuces, in person or on their websites. We still want to offer our home to a second dog, but want to help them all :sad: It's just so sad. So many pathetic cases, and in trying to choose 'the lucky one', we feel terrible for all of the others.

It's not right. Some people can be so cruel and heartless, and I'd like to wring their bl**dy necks.