AN ANIMAL charity has appealed to the public for help rehoming four dogs.

Diamond, Summer, Oscar and McCarthy were all taken from different owners following neglect investigations, and have been with the RSPCA for so long, staff were worried about their future.

Valerie Hurst from the RSPCA said that because they were varieties of American Bulldog, they were unfairly stigmatised due to their breed.

Valerie said: “They all have been with us for six months or more, and at that point it becomes a concern.

“They have had a quite awful start to life and bearing in mind what they have been through they are just delightful, just so sweet.”

McCarthy is the youngest, at about 18 months old, while Oscar is the oldest at about seven. Diamond and Summer are about two years old, and all four, Valerie said, were “victims of their size and prejudice associated with their breed”.

She said: “They are bull breeds and have been consistently overlooked by visitors, but all have been through a lot. The main concern is that they are all struggling in kennel life, and are all long stays.

“Diamond needs a lot of exercise, she’s charming and lovely but a big, active dog. Summer doesn’t like being left alone and has some separation anxiety so needs someone able to be with her most of the time. Oscar and McCarthy need some people who had had dogs before, experienced owners. They aren’t complicated, but need some company during the day.”

Valerie said she needed people to “look past their breed and think about their personalities”, and said they are not dangerous dogs.

She said: “We haven’t had long stay dogs like this for a long time. We will try everything in our power to rehome them. We’re hoping a little positive publicity and help will get them to a new home, give them a fresh start, in a fresh area, and help them.”

To find out more about taking on one of the dogs, phone the RSPCA on 01904 654949.