THEY have battled through the odds to overcome often criminal abuse abuse and neglect.
Now, these seven dogs are facing a new battle – to find a lasting, loving home.
Staff at the RSPCA in Clough Road currently have no space to take in any more dogs until some of these pooches are rehomed.
Manager Alison Ripley said: "It has been getting worse over the past few months and now we are full.
"To have seven dogs that are ready for a new home is a lot for us.
"Most of the dogs that come to us are through the inspectors and are abuse or neglect cases.
"At the moment, any new ones that they seize are being sent to private boarding establishments because we just don't have the space.
"That can end up costing the RSPCA quite a lot of money."
The Clough Road branch of the charity has space for 22 dogs, but often has to care for the animals until any court cases come to a conclusion before they can be rehomed.
Mrs Ripley said the bottleneck at the centre is a result of people being unwilling to take on "bull" breeds of dog, making them difficult to rehome. She said: "These kinds of dogs have a stigma surrounding them as status dogs and are unpopular with the general public.
"We know they can make very loving family pets but they are being overlooked because of this public perception.
"They are also being over-bred at the moment, which means there are more of them than ever, and people are less willing to take them on."
One of the dogs, a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier called Buster, has been at the branch since last July.
"Our staff have been doing a lot of work with him to try to find him a home," said Mrs Ripley.
"It is becoming more common for us to have dogs in for a long time. That is far from ideal for these kind of dogs, who can get quite stressed in kennels and therefore don't show the best of themselves when people come to see them. I would advise that anyone who is interested comes in and asks to see the dog outside of the kennel, when they will get a better idea about its true personality.
"These dogs have a reputation that they don't deserve."
Call 01482 341331 to speak to staff at the branch or visit the centre from 11am to 4pm, Tuesday to Friday or from 11am to 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Seven dogs looking for a new home• Buster is a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier who has been in the centre since last July. He is a very friendly dog but can be excitable at times, so a home without children would be ideal.
• Sox is a two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier who came into the centre, with another dog, in January, after he was found living in unsuitable conditions. He is very playful and loving and would be suited to a home with children over ten.
• Ruby is a ten-month-old cross mastiff. She can be nervous of new people but once she gets to know you she is extremely friendly. She is looking for an active home without any young children so that she can continue with her training and socialisation.
• Ralph is a one-year-old American bulldog who was dumped by his previous owner. He is an active young dog that will require ongoing training. He is playful and friendly with other dogs and could possibly live with small animals or cats. Due to his playful nature he would suit a home without young children.
• Millie is a three-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier. She loves to play around with other dogs, and is very friendly with people. She has now found her confidence and would be suitable to live with children aged over five and possibly with other animals.
• Misty is an eight-year-old Akita. She has only been in the RSPCA's care for a short time but has already proven herself to be a very affectionate dog that, despite her size, is very gentle. She is generally very calm, although she does also have a playful side and enjoys lots of cuddles. Misty has lived with another dog and children and so would fit into most families.
• Alfie is a five-year-old dogue de Bordeaux. He was found emaciated with large pressure sores on his legs. He gets on well with other dogs and is a gentle giant. He would suit a home with someone who has experience of large dogs without young children.
