At Staffy and Bully Breed Rescue (SABBR), we believe every dog deserves access to essential veterinary care, regardless of their owner’s financial circumstances.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and other bully breeds bring enormous joy, companionship and loyalty to their families. Unfortunately, rising living costs can make routine veterinary care difficult for some owners to afford, placing both dogs and families at risk.
Through funding received under the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Animal Welfare Grants Program Round 5, SABBR is proud to launch the Responsible Bully Breed Owner Program (RBBOP).
This community initiative provides eligible owners experiencing financial hardship with access to subsidised:
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Desexing (sterilisation)
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Microchipping
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Core vaccinations
Delivered in partnership with participating veterinary clinics across Perth and York, the program aims to improve animal welfare outcomes, reduce unwanted litters, and support responsible pet ownership within the community.
By helping owners access preventative care, we can keep more dogs healthy, safe and in loving homes while reducing the number entering pounds, shelters and rescue organisations.
Why This Program Matters
Every year, rescue organisations and local pounds are faced with increasing numbers of unwanted dogs, many of which are unsterilised, unregistered, and without permanent identification.
Bully breed dogs, particularly staffy-crosses, are significantly represented in rescue and shelter environments. Unplanned litters and limited access to affordable veterinary care continue to place pressure on owners, shelters, local governments and animal welfare organisations.
This program addresses these challenges by:
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Increasing access to affordable veterinary care
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Reducing accidental and unwanted litters
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Improving compliance with microchipping and vaccination requirements
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Encouraging responsible pet ownership through education and support
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Helping vulnerable owners keep their pets healthy and at home
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Reducing pressure on rescue groups, shelters and local governments
Responsible Pet Ownership
Responsible pet ownership means providing your dog with the care and support needed to live a healthy, safe and fulfilling life.
This includes:
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Keeping vaccinations up to date
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Microchipping and registering your dog
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Providing appropriate food, shelter and exercise
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Socialising and training
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Seeking veterinary care when required
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Preventing unwanted litters through desexing
Responsible ownership benefits not only individual dogs and families but also contributes to safer, healthier communities.
The Benefits of Desexing
Health Benefits
Desexing can reduce the risk of reproductive health issues and certain cancers while preventing complications associated with pregnancy and birth.
Behaviour Benefits
While every dog is unique, desexing may help reduce behaviours associated with breeding instincts, including roaming and some territorial behaviours. Dogs that are less likely to wander are also less likely to become lost, injured or involved in accidents.
Preventing Unwanted Litters
Even responsible owners can experience accidental matings. Desexing removes the risk of unplanned pregnancies and helps prevent puppies entering situations where suitable homes may be difficult to find.
Community Impact
Reducing unwanted litters helps:
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Lower the number of dogs entering shelters, pounds and rescue groups
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Reduce stray and abandoned animals
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Ease pressure on veterinary clinics and welfare organisations
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Improve overall welfare outcomes
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Promote responsible pet ownership
Every dog supported through this program contributes to long-term, sustainable change for animals and their communities.
Program Objectives
The Responsible Bully Breed Owner Program aims to:
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Increase the number of bully breed dogs desexed, microchipped and vaccinated
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Reduce unwanted litters
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Improve access to veterinary care for people experiencing financial hardship
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Promote responsible pet ownership
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Reduce the number of bully breed dogs entering pounds and rescue care
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Strengthen partnerships between community organisations, veterinary clinics and pet owners
Who Can Apply?
The program is designed to support responsible owners experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Applicants may be eligible if they:
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Own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, bully breed, or bully breed cross
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Reside within the program service area
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Meet the financial hardship criteria
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Are willing to participate in responsible pet ownership education
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Agree to have their dog desexed, microchipped and/or vaccinated as approved
Please Note:
Funding is limited and submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Applications are assessed case-by-case based on eligibility, available funding and potential welfare impact.
Full eligibility criteria are available within the application form.
How the Application Process Works
Step 1 – Complete an Application
Tell us about yourself, your dog, and your circumstances by completing the online application form.
Step 2 – Application Review
Applications are reviewed by SABBR’s Responsible Bully Breed Owner Program Committee. Supporting documentation may be requested.
Step 3 – Outcome Notification
Applicants will be notified of the outcome and any approved services.
Step 4 – Veterinary Appointment
Successful applicants will be referred to a participating veterinary clinic.
Step 5 – Supporting Better Outcomes
Participants may receive educational resources promoting responsible pet ownership.
Why Focus on Bully Breeds?
SABBR’s rescue experience shows that staffy and bully breed dogs are consistently among the most common dogs entering pounds and rescue care. Many arrive unsterilised, without microchips, and from accidental or unplanned litters.
By targeting support toward this high‑risk population, the program aims to create meaningful, long-term improvements in animal welfare outcomes across Western Australia.
Together We Can Make a Difference
By supporting vulnerable pet owners and providing access to essential veterinary care, we can improve the lives of bully breed dogs while creating stronger, safer communities.
Together, we can reduce unwanted litters, promote responsible pet ownership, and ensure more dogs remain where they belong — in loving homes.