New scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour with dogs

A new scheme has been launched to reduce intimidating and anti-social behaviour with dogs on London's streets.

The 'People with Dogs Project' brings together The Blue Cross with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the Greater London Authority, Metropolitan Police, RSPCA and Wandsworth Council. The group has produced a gritty short film that explores the issues surrounding dog ownership. It is targeted specifically at young people in London who are increasingly getting dogs as status symbols, without understanding the responsibilities that come with owning an animal.

The film is designed to be viewed with an educational workshop to encourage discussion about the topics raised, such as irresponsible dog breeding, inappropriate exercise areas and organised dog fighting. It includes interviews with positive role models such as Robert Alleyne, dog behaviourist from BBC3's Dog Borstal and Wordsmith, a Brixton-based MC and keen dog lover.

It also features a moving interview with Londoner Mike Ebberson who was seriously injured while trying to save his dog from being attacked, and eventually killed, by aggressive dogs left off the lead in a London park last year.

Nigel Griffiths, Blue Cross vet at the Victoria animal hospital, explains: "Over the last few years, Blue Cross hospitals have seen a huge increase in the numbers of 'status dogs' like Staffordshire Bull Terriers, which account for a third of all the dogs we treat. Many have been injured because irresponsible owners have left them off the lead, letting them run into the road or get involved in fights with other dogs.

"We hope this film will help educate young people about the responsibilities of dog ownership and challenge the perception that it is somehow 'cool' to own a dog. Hopefully it will encourage them to think more carefully before taking on a dog and to have a better understanding of a dog's needs."

The 'People with Dogs Project' film and workshop will be distributed with teachers' notes to over 600 schools, youth clubs and community groups in London. If successful, the scheme could be extended across the country. To request a copy of the teachers' pack, please email peoplewithdogs@dogshome.org.

28 February 2008