Volunteers at a dog rescue charity in the Wyre Forest claim they have been inundated with Staffordshire Bull Terriers and experts at the centre are now holding a special event in an attempt to re-home the 13 dogs.

Mary Braim, a volunteer with the Forest Dog Rescue charity, said: “We currently have 13 Staffordshire Bull Terriers at our kennels.

“Because of a lack of understanding about the breed and abandoning of these pets, we have decided to hold a Staffie Sunday event on June 8 at our Lem Hill Kennels at Far Forest, near Bewdley.

“We hope to have representatives from the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Society to speak on the day and allay any fears that people might have.

“Visitors will be able to see the animals needing rehoming.

“I think the problem connected with so many Staffies being abandoned comes from misconceptions about the breed.

“But many are abandoned at around 18 months of age, when they outgrow the puppy stage. It has also been fashionable for people to have these dogs as pets.

“We hope to explain to people what is involved in their care and how they can really make smashing pets.”

Anyone wanting more information about the Staffie Sunday event, which will take place between 10am and 2pm on June 8, are being asked to call 01299 266499.