RT Article
T1 Friends, status symbols and weapons: the use of dogs by youth groups and youth gangs
JF Crime, law and social change
VO 55
IS 5
SP 405
OP 420
A1 Maher, Jennifer
A2 Pierpoint, Harriet
LA English
YR 2011
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1854868322
AB Recent UK media reports and government responses evidence a rising concern over irresponsible dog ownership, particularly the use of so-called status or weapon dogs. Youth criminal and antisocial behaviour using these dogs has been widely reported in urban areas and associated with street-based youth groups, in particular, the growing phenomenon of UK youth gangs. This article reports on the findings and implications of a small-scale study, comprising interviews with 25 youths and seven animal welfare and youth practitioners, which aimed to identify the nature of animal use and abuse in youth groups and gangs. It found that over half of the youths belonged to a youth gang and the remainder a youth group, with the majority owning an animal which was most often a ‘status’ dog (e.g., bull breed/type). Analysis revealed that dogs were used mainly for socialising and companionship, protection and enhancing status. More than 20 types of animal abuse were described by youths and practitioners.
NO Literaturverzeichnis: Seite 418-420
K1 Gang Membership
K1 Moral Panic
K1 Status Symbol
K1 Youth Gang
K1 Youth Group
DO 10.1007/s10611-011-9294-5