THE number of abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers is on the increase amid fears new legislation could make ownership more expensive.

Tenford Kennels, in Teanford, received three Staffies from the Staffordshire Moorlands dog warden service last week.

Kennel owner Carole Bentley said that two years ago the dogs would never be left to roam the streets.

The 54-year-old said: "Dogs which are being found on the street are of a good disposition and have obviously been well-loved. It is a very worrying trend to find so many abandoned.

"Staffies are being dumped by the bucketful at the moment and it is very difficult to find them a new home."

A Government consultation has started about possible powers for police and local authorities to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or even get them neutered.

Plans are also in place for compulsory micro-chipping and third party insurance.

Carole said: "These changes will hit law-abiding citizens in the pocket and drive any problem with dangerous dogs underground."