A DOG rescuer has brought a young Staffordshire bull terrier to Puddletown to save him from dogfighters in Ireland.

Susan Buxton said the dog faced being used as bait because he was too gentle to fight other dogs.

Now she is searching for a new owner to give Sunny a permanent home of his own.

Mrs Buxton, a volunteer who has helped find homes for 30 dogs from Ireland, said Sunny's lack of aggression marked him out as a typical dog to be used as a bait to excite killer dogs in fights.

She said: "He had been living at stables over there with other dogs. We know that dogfighting goes on and people get hold of Staffies for that. And those that don't have the aggression for fighting get used as bait to work up the other dogs.

"Sunny won't fight - there's no aggression in him at all. He would have ended up as bait and been killed."

Mrs Buxton said she named him Sunny to reflect his happy affectionate nature.

She said Sunny, who is believed to be one or two years old, is quite small and possibly partly cross-bred.

She said: "He just loves to be cuddled. He's very good and doesn't chew and he would make a lovely pet. He's being fostered for the moment but needs a permanent home with someone who has experience with the breed."

Mrs Buxton said Sunny, who is neutered, will be microchipped and vaccinated. Anyone interested in homing him should contact her on 01305 849068.