Unleashed: The Phenomena of Status Dogs and Weapon Dogs - Hardcover

Harding, Simon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1447300270 ISBN 13: 9781447300274

Publisher: Policy Press, 2012

Synopsis

Drawing on evidence from both sides of the Atlantic, Simon Harding explores the culture of the status dog in Unleashed. In housing projects in the United States and United Kingdom, certain dog breeds convey status—authority, respect, power, and control—on their owners, while urban street gangs have developed the dangerous practice of training dogs to be weapons. Combining perspectives from sociology, criminology, and public policy, Harding contextualizes these related phenomena and considers the complex mix of factors motivating them, including urban deprivation, social control of public space, and the influence of media imagery.

About this title

About the Author:

Simon Harding is a criminologist and lecturer on crime, policing, and community safety at Middlesex University, North London. He has worked in crime and community safety for twenty-five years.

Review:

“To ignore this book would be a major oversight in appreciating the inter-relationship between strata of human society, and the uses and abuses of dogs within that society. . . . Mandatory reading.” (Kennel Gazette)

“Unleashed is certainly a book that is well worth reading.” (Anthrozoös)

“This book uncovers the truth behind the urban mythology of ‘status’ dogs. Combining practical insight and academic rigour, it is essential reading for anyone attempting to deal with the phenomenon.” (Ian McParland IPC Dog Services)

“This book explores the hidden world of young men and gangs and their desire for dangerous or aggressive dogs, while providing fascinating sociological insight and commentary on this recent phenomenon.” (Anthony Goodman Middlesex University)

About this edition

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1447300270
• ISBN 13: 9781447300274
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208