Celebrity vet backs campaign for abandoned dogs

Nov 6 2011 by Ian Robson, Sunday Sun

CELEBRITY vet Steve Leonard has put his name to a fundraising campaign for abandoned dogs. He explains to Ian Robson why he refuses to have a man’s best friend of his own.

He said: “It’s difficult to know the exact reasons for the increase in abandonment.

“We know the recession is bound to have an effect because people are struggling but I know as a vet that people don’t give up their pets lightly and I know they will scrimp and save every penny before they would consider giving them up.

“One of the things I am convinced is a factor is the trend towards trophy animals or status dogs.

“It’s no surprise that the dog breed that is over-represented in the rescue population is the Staffie crosses.

“People are getting them for the wrong reason. They dress them up in studded leather and parade around town but they don’t treat them like a member of the family.

“They end up not knowing how to handle them and after a year or two or even younger than that they can find themselves abandoned in rescue homes.

“Inner-city rescue centres are inundated with these dogs while in more rural areas the trend has disappeared so it does seem to be very much associated with the urban environment.”

Cross-breeds are also a common sight in shelters despite their suitability as a pet.

He said: “You can’t do better than a mixed-up little terrier where you can’t tell who its mum and dad were.

“It’s about finding homes for these much-maligned pets, the ones that really deserve a second chance, and they will definitely reward you with so much love and attention over the years and you get this amazing sense of satisfaction of giving this dog a second chance.”

Leyla Rutter, of Newcastle Dog and Cast Shelter, said the donation from the campaign was vital.

She said: “We were short of money to finish off a project providing better kennels, better runs for the animals, and a more visitor-friendly site for the disabled.

“It made a big difference and we were very grateful.”

More information can be found at www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/wearefordogs or text 4DOGS to 70001.