ONE of Dorset's leading animal rescue centres has launched a campaign to secure homes for the rising number of abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue's 'Save a Staffie' initiative comes as the charity reveals around a quarter of all the dogs they house at any given time are Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

“Sadly the reputation of Staffies has been tarnished in recent years as they have been increasingly bred as status dogs,” said rescue centre general manager Caron Lane.

“The vast majority of Staffies that come into rescue are affectionate, playful and delightful dogs that would make a wonderful addition to any loving and responsible family.”

To get involved in the campaign download a Margaret Green Animal Rescue 'Save a Staffie' poster from margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk.

Dog owners are asked to upload pictures of their Staffies to the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Facebook page.

'Save a Staffie' wristbands, costing £1.50, are available from the charity's Church Knowle sanctuary or Lincoln Farm rescue and re-homing centre near Bere Regis.