Freshfields Animal rescue launches Bull Breed Welfare month

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

At least one bull breed is euthanized every four hours 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. With the assistance of its partner vets, Freshfields will also be offering FREE microchipping to ALL bull breeds and reduced-cost neutering 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 two fun family-friendly events at North Park in Bootle (Sunday 24thJune) and 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 practises*, 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.