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21/05/2009
Shock Rise In Fighting Dogs Used 'As Weapons'
New statistics released from the RSPCA have found that two-thirds of phone calls about dogs fighting are linked to young people who wield them as weapons.
The animal charity reported the shock figures after animal health workers have treated dogs for stab wounds, cigarette burns and broken bones as reports of street fighting have increased ten-fold from 2004. In that year there were 24 reports while in 2008 there 284.
Scotland Yard said 719 dangerous dogs were seized in London last year, in comparison with 43 between 2002 and 2006.
According to the RSPCA, the figures tie-in with the increasing trend against teenagers and young males using stereo-typically "macho-type" dogs as weapons of intimidation in urban areas of England and Wales.
David Grant, of the charity's Harmsworth Animal Hospital in north London, said: "My staff are treating more dogs than ever for fight wounds and injuries sustained as a result of them being kept as status symbols by young people who think having a dog makes them look tough.
"I've had to treat dogs with stab wounds, broken bones and even cigarette burns to their heads.
"The torture some of these poor animals have suffered is simply horrific."
Mr Grant said breeders charge up to £500 for puppies which are then sold to young people who have little experience caring for animals.
As a result, he added, many dogs are soon abandoned by their owners, adding to the large numbers of bull terrier breeds, Rottweilers and mastiffs in animal homes.
He said: "These latest figures only prove what the RSPCA's inspectors and animal hospitals have suspected for a long time, that more and more people are using dogs as a means of intimidation."
(JM/BMcC)
The animal charity reported the shock figures after animal health workers have treated dogs for stab wounds, cigarette burns and broken bones as reports of street fighting have increased ten-fold from 2004. In that year there were 24 reports while in 2008 there 284.
Scotland Yard said 719 dangerous dogs were seized in London last year, in comparison with 43 between 2002 and 2006.
According to the RSPCA, the figures tie-in with the increasing trend against teenagers and young males using stereo-typically "macho-type" dogs as weapons of intimidation in urban areas of England and Wales.
David Grant, of the charity's Harmsworth Animal Hospital in north London, said: "My staff are treating more dogs than ever for fight wounds and injuries sustained as a result of them being kept as status symbols by young people who think having a dog makes them look tough.
"I've had to treat dogs with stab wounds, broken bones and even cigarette burns to their heads.
"The torture some of these poor animals have suffered is simply horrific."
Mr Grant said breeders charge up to £500 for puppies which are then sold to young people who have little experience caring for animals.
As a result, he added, many dogs are soon abandoned by their owners, adding to the large numbers of bull terrier breeds, Rottweilers and mastiffs in animal homes.
He said: "These latest figures only prove what the RSPCA's inspectors and animal hospitals have suspected for a long time, that more and more people are using dogs as a means of intimidation."
(JM/BMcC)
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13 May 2014
Owners To Face Longer Sentences Over Dog Attacks
Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today, Tuesday. Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
Owners To Face Longer Sentences Over Dog Attacks
Irresponsible dog owners who allow their dog to attack people or assistance dogs will face tougher prison sentences from today, Tuesday. Changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act will also mean dog owners can now face prosecution if their dog attacks a person in their home or on any private property, except if they attack a trespasser.
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