More rottweilers being dumped in dog sanctuaries after child is killed.

One-year-old Archie-Lee Hirst died after being mauled by a dog owned by his grandparents.

Marty Burrell, from the Hilbrae Pets Hotel near Telford, says irresponsible owners are to blame for most incidents.

She said people should research carefully before taking on a dog as big and strong as a Rottweiler.

It's a big powerful dog. You need to be physically capable of handling one. Unless you are don't own one Marty Burrell

She says they are strong willed dogs and even if they have a good temperament they need an experienced home with people who can cope with a big dog.

"It's a big powerful dog. You need to be physically capable of handling one. Unless you are, don't own one," she said.

Mrs Burrell said it made her angry and frustrated to see the dogs punished when they get out of hand.

"It doesn't stop that owner going out and getting another one, blaming the dog, whereas it's them and their situation that have been wrong," she said.

She advised anyone thinking of getting a dog like a Rottweiler to do plenty of research first and if in any doubt, do not have one.

"They should learn everything they can before they go and buy one, but if they just want an ordinary mutt come and see us. They are pretty problem free," she added.