WATCH: Pro Staffordshire Bull Terrier walk a huge success as the Government rejects calls to add Staffies to dangerous dogs list
Gathering at the gates of Chorley's Astley Park, dozens of dog owners and their Staffies took it upon themselves to show the public why their dogs should be defined by nurture rather than anything they might be in their nature.
The group made its way up Market Street before ending at the Trade Jacks pub in Hollinshead Street.
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Hide AdThe march on Saturday (July 21) came after animal rights charity PETA urged government ministers to add the dogs to the list of dangerous dogs - meaning it would be illegal to breed them.
Organiser Natalie Winstanley said: "It’s so upsetting. PETA are meant to care about all animals. It doesn’t make sense to me."
“Dogs are like children, ” the 22-year-old added.
“If you hurt and abuse a child they wont turn out well.”
Government debate
The Government has confirmed that Staffordshire Bull Terriers will not be put on the dangerous dogs list despite PETA calling for the breed to be placed on the register.
PETA submitted a proposal to the Government’s consultation on the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 concerning the status of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, claiming it would help protect the breed from abuse.
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Hide AdBut a petition created by Staffie owner Steve Quinn called for the Government to reject the proposal, gaining 160,000 signatures of support.Mr Quinn 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.
“People create dangerous dogs, people are the problem.”
In a statement, PETA said they have “long called on people who are considering adding an animal companion to the family to adopt, not shop".
PETA added: “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."