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05/04/2013
Government Must Act On Dangerous Dogs - Report
The government needs to take tougher action on dangerous dogs, according to a criminologist from the University of Middlesex who says he has exposed links between violent crime and the trade for dogs on Britain’s streets.
Simon Harding conducted over 100 interviews in the study, including with dangerous dog owners and several gang members.
He says he has found evidence of animals changing hands for up to £10,000 each.
The three-year study found dogs are being bought and bred for money and credibility.
It said profits were made through unregulated and ad-hoc breeding, which runs the danger of creating a new generation of dangerous dogs selected for their most aggressive characteristics.
The report says dogs are sold for use in criminal activity, protecting illegal business transactions and street drug dealing.
Simon Harding, who was motivated to carry out his research following the dog related murder of Seyi Ogunyemi in South London, said: "This issue has been talked about extensively without resolution. The government and authorities need to get their fingers out and resolve the issue. No more excuses, more needs to be done proactively and we can’t just wait for more victims of aggressive dog attacks.
"I found there was an increase in public anxiety, people are using parks and public spaces differently where these dogs are found, and these concerns are valid.
"I was surprised that it wasn’t just a protection or fashion issue and that money was a major factor in people wanting to own these dogs. The notion that gangs are switching to using dogs instead of knives as weapons isn’t necessarily true – dogs are used for money and status. This increased commoditisation of dogs has led to more backstreet breeding and more aggressive dogs bred specifically to seek out aggressive characteristics."
(IT/CD)
Simon Harding conducted over 100 interviews in the study, including with dangerous dog owners and several gang members.
He says he has found evidence of animals changing hands for up to £10,000 each.
The three-year study found dogs are being bought and bred for money and credibility.
It said profits were made through unregulated and ad-hoc breeding, which runs the danger of creating a new generation of dangerous dogs selected for their most aggressive characteristics.
The report says dogs are sold for use in criminal activity, protecting illegal business transactions and street drug dealing.
Simon Harding, who was motivated to carry out his research following the dog related murder of Seyi Ogunyemi in South London, said: "This issue has been talked about extensively without resolution. The government and authorities need to get their fingers out and resolve the issue. No more excuses, more needs to be done proactively and we can’t just wait for more victims of aggressive dog attacks.
"I found there was an increase in public anxiety, people are using parks and public spaces differently where these dogs are found, and these concerns are valid.
"I was surprised that it wasn’t just a protection or fashion issue and that money was a major factor in people wanting to own these dogs. The notion that gangs are switching to using dogs instead of knives as weapons isn’t necessarily true – dogs are used for money and status. This increased commoditisation of dogs has led to more backstreet breeding and more aggressive dogs bred specifically to seek out aggressive characteristics."
(IT/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
