The UK Government has 'no intention' of adding Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the banned breeds list.
It was discussed in Parliament after an e-petition was launched to stop Staffies from being added to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; had it passed it would mean that it would be effectively illegal to own or breed the dogs in the UK - with a few exceptions.
Perhaps surprisingly, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) launched a consultation following which they decided that a ban on the breed was the best way forward.
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However, according to PETA this would be the best thing for the breed, as the charity believes Staffies are often abused and abandoned,
A PETA statement reads: "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. The breed is also the most likely to be abducted and used by criminal gangs for fighting rings or as guard dogs.
"Given how vulnerable these dogs are to abuse, neglect, and abandonment, why would anyone fight the introduction of legislation that would prevent people from bringing more of them into a world that treats many so cruelly?"
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A petition set up hitting back at PETA's decision read: "PETA, an organisation that is meant to be dedicated to protecting animals, has proposed to the UK government that it should add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the Dangerous Dogs Act, effectively banning them outright.
"Breed Specific Legislation is not the solution to the problem of dog attacks."
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According to Stoke Live, Steven Quinn, who set up the petition says the blame lies with bad owners, not the dogs.
He 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. We are calling on Parliament to save our Staffies and not have them banned as dangerous dogs, because they are not.
"People create dangerous dogs, people are the problem."
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And, as it garnered over 170,000 signatures, it was debated in Parliament yesterday. During the debate, MPs seemed to agree that often the problem lies with pet owners.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, George Eustice MP, closed the debate by saying: "The Government has no plans at all to add Staffordshire bull terriers, or any other type of dog, to the list of prohibited dogs."
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Other breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers and the Japanese Tosa are already on the banned list.
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