Staffords regimental mascot's future is uncertain

The future of the Staffords mascot is unclear following news the regiment is to be axed, it emerged today.

Staffordshire bull terrier Watchman V took over as mascot of 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment in October 2010 but was promoted to Lance Corporal at a special ceremony in September 2011.

Duties include official ceremonies, Remembrance Day services and parades, and sometimes even funerals. The tradition dates back 300 years. But following last week's revelation that the battalion is falling victim to swingeing cuts in the Ministry of Defence, the dog's future has not yet been decided.

Former Mercian soldier Karl Hinett, who was severely burned in a bomb attack in Iraq, said he hoped the dog would be found a new home.

The 25-year-old, of Hall Lane, Tipton, said: "Mascots are important.

"Everyone rallies around them and they always improve morale.

"I hope he can be found a good home wherever he goes."

Belinda Steel, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence, said they could not confirm what would happen to Watchman V.

She said: "These sorts of things will have to be worked out over time, so we really couldn't say at this stage."

Watchman V has also in the past been signed up to help an RSPCA campaign to showcase Staffies, and how they are loyal and friendly pets.

The former Staffordshire Regiment will disappear in cuts to reduce the Army from 102,000 troops to 82,000 by the end of the decade – that is its lowest level since the Napoleonic Wars.

The move will break a centuries-old direct link between the region and the military.

The regiment merged with two others to form the Mercians in 2007, with 3Mercian being referred to as "formerly the Staffords".

The Army is to lose 17 major units in the spending overhaul.

By Richard Woodall