A SHIFT in the fashion of keeping bull terrier type dogs as pets has flooded local kennels with unwanted Staffies and Rottweilers. Now an appeal is being made for people to rehome them.

"Unfortunately no-one wants them. They are seen as dangerous dogs and have become virtually impossible to rehome. In reality they are usually very friendly. They are fun loving and great with families but they are also high energy," said Helen Zuluk, of Bream.

Helen is caring for a number of dogs no longer wanted by their owners. She advertised for potential owners to come forward last week and said she had been pleased with the response.

Helen said the reluctance of potential owners to take on bull terrier-type animals was blocking up kennels.

"The situation is absolutely horrendous," she said.

"Staffies and Rotties have gone out of fashion and they are coming out of our ears. All the rehoming kennels are full to overflowing."

She said the dogs would be kept as long as it took to rehome them. It was not a policy to destroy rescue dogs.

Helen said the latest fashion was to keep American bulldogs and as a result other breeds were being left in care or abandoned.

"It's a pity there is not more control on back street breeders. A lot of the animals taken into care are found to have health issues," she said.