Dangerous Dogs in Britain 英國有危險的犬

Background: 英國一家動物保護慈善機構說，英國正在有越來越多的狗被人用作一種威脅工具。英國防止虐待動物協會說，攻擊性狗的數量增加同貧民區的團火暴力活動有關。該組織呼吁采取緊急措施來對付它所稱的英國最緊迫之一的社會問題。

Troublemakers 肇事者who don't want to risk arrest by carrying guns or knives are instead turning to dogs to settle their scores 算賬, according to the RSPCA 英國防止虐待動物協會。

The number of calls it gets about dog fights has gone up 15 times in the past three years, and the incidents are often linked to gangs 團伙；幫派 of youngsters.

A survey 調查 out today suggests that dog attacks on humans have gone up by nearly 50% in the past ten years, and the problem is particularly bad in urban areas.

The RSPCA's chief vet 首席獸醫 Mark Evans says it is a serious social issue in Britain.

Police in London have also reported a large rise in the number of dangerous dogs seized in the past two years.

The RSPCA says some owners have their own veterinary kits 動物急救藥箱, to stitch up 縫合 injured animals without bringing them to the attention of the authorities當局.

The charity 慈善組織 says all dogs need to be microchipped 微型芯片身份注冊 and more dangerous ones should be neutered閹割.

However, it is keen to stress 急切地強調 that the problem is not with the animals themselves, but the owners.

GLOSSARY 詞匯表 (收聽發音, 請單擊英語單詞)

 

Answers

1. What are people using dogs as in the UK, according to the report?
Some people are using dogs as weapons instead of knives or guns.

2. True or false? Dog attacks on humans have nearly doubled in the last decade.
False. They have gone up by nearly half in the last ten years.

3. How are some owners avoiding medical treatment for their injured animals?
They use their own equipment to give the dog stitches.

4. According to the RSPCA, what should be done to dangerous dogs?
The RSPCA believes they should be neutered so that they cannot breed.