Focus on dogs

In this activity, young people will begin to think about the consequences of having a dog that you encourage to be aggressive. The activity concentrates on the consequences of dog fighting, with a focus on informal fighting between dogs. It examines the impact of the fight on the dog itself. The young person reads a story about a dog who is involved in an informal dog fight and is not taken to the vet after he is bitten on the legs. Because the wounds are not immediately treated by the vet, the dog suffers and is eventually put to sleep.

The young person looks at a series of photos and X-rays of dogs who have the types of injuries that are acquired through dog fighting, for example bite wounds and broken bones. The young person explores the physiological and emotional impact that the fight has had on the animal. If the young person has a dog, or even the desire to get one, they are then asked to think about what might happen to their own dog if he/she was in a fight. They also explore the consequences for themselves and others if they allow their dog to attack another dog.

Young people will:

• explore what the consequences might be of having an aggressive dog
• understand that dogs can cause serious injuries to animals, including other dogs
• understand that dog fighting can be organised or spontaneous
• know that dogs that have been attacked by other dogs or involved in either formal or informal dog fights can sustain serious, painful and even fatal injuries
• understand that it is essential for your dog to go to the vet if he/she has been bitten by another dog, otherwise your dog could suffer and could even die of an infection
• understand that any involvement in dog fighting is against the law and allowing your dog to harm another animal is an animal cruelty offence. These could result in prosecution, a fine and a possible prison sentence
• understand that dog attacks can be caused by any type or breed of dog – not just banned types like pit bull terriers
• learn that the owner of a dog is responsible for that dog’s behaviour. If their dog attacks another dog or a person, it is the owner’s fault.