Liverpool animal charity combats overbreeding of bull terriers

Following the success of last week’s bull breed event in Bootle (89 dogs microchipped for free, 55 bull breeds signed up for discount neutering), Freshfields Animal Rescue is to host another family-friendly awareness day in Netherton’s Marion Park on Saturday.

Throughout July, Freshfields will be working to promote the welfare needs of bull breeds and offer FREE microchipping and discount neutering to Merseyside owners.

Owners attending Saturday’s event in Netherton can have their dog (any breed) microchipped on the day and pick up discount neutering vouchers (for bull breeds) too.

Help Freshfields end bull breed overbreeding

At least one bull breed is euthanized every hour in the UK and 40% will be put to sleep before the age of 4, such is the overpopulation of and misconceptions surrounding this much-maligned breed.

Overbreeding not only leads to health and behavioural problems, but means the numbers of bull breeds (in particular Staffies) being abandoned at the doors of rescue centres or simply dumped on local streets has reached critical levels. Bull breeds now made up 50% of Freshfields’ ‘waiting to be admitted’ list; this time last year, they made up only one third.

Responsible ownership (i.e. microchipping and neutering) is the solution and is also key to changing public perceptions of these typically loving, friendly breeds.

Free microchipping and discount neutering

Throughout July, staff and supporters of Freshfields will be travelling across Merseyside promoting microchipping, neutering and responsible ownership of bull breeds. With the assistance of its partner vets, Freshfields will also be offering FREE microchipping to ALL breeds and reduced-cost neutering for bull breeds such as Staffies and pit bulls when owners register their pets with a partner vet in July.

Family fun for all

To raise awareness ahead of Bull Breed Welfare Month, Freshfields will be hosting a special event at Marion Park in Netherton (Saturday 30th June).

As well as stands dedicated to advising dog owners on neutering and offering discounts for neuters carried out at participating vet practices*, there will be FREE microchipping on-site for ALL breeds of dogs. Freshfields staff and representatives of partner organisations will also be on hand to answer all questions relating to bull breeds.

There too will be a fun dog show which will be open to all breeds and will include categories such as Most Handsome Male, Prettiest Bitch, Loveliest Eyes and, of course, Best in Show!

For the youngsters (or the young at heart), there will be tombola, face painting, cake stalls and a free-to-enter raffle.

Support our initiative

Please support Freshfields’ Bull Breed Welfare Month by inviting your readers/listeners to take part and, in doing so, reduce the number of unwanted dogs currently languishing in rescues or having their lives cut short due to irresponsible ownership.

With the support of local press, we can help create a manageable bull breed population and one which reflects the true nature of the breed – loyal, loving, and a family’s best friend.