Status dogs - weapon of choice?
November 2008
Warning – please be aware that this film contains graphic images that some viewers may find upsetting.
Dogs used as weapons are becoming increasingly popular in urban gangs – in 2008 sixty-six per cent of all dog fighting reports received by the RSPCA were directly connected to youths using their dogs as weapons in streets and parks (this compares with 37 per cent in 2007).
The dogs can suffer terrible injuries through dog fighting or cruelty, including in some cases physical violence inflicted by their owners.
Our animal centres are also bulging with the unwanted 'status' dogs (dogs such as bull breeds), so we need to act fast to alleviate this growing crisis.
We’re urging local authorities and the police to work in partnership to:
• Educate dog owners to care properly for their pets;
• Enforce the current law with regard to irresponsible dog ownership;
• Call on the Government to update and consolidate the law to protect dogs and humans.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION TODAY and lobby your MP. Ask them to support Angela Smith MP (Sheffield Hillsborough) Ten Minute Rule Bill on 1 July 2009 that will amend the Dangerous Dogs Act. It will take just two minutes, but with enough support, this could be the start in amending legislation to better protect animals (and humans). Current legislation is failing enforcers, dog owners and the dogs themselves.
Show your support to the campaign by sharing this article using the buttons below. Thank you.
