Children 'fear' their family pets

More than one million dogs in the UK are displaying “problem behaviour” and children are becoming frightened of family pets, according to a veterinary charity.

The PDSA report, based on a YouGov poll of nearly 5,000 pet owners, vets and children, showed half of people know someone who has been attacked by a dog and 65 per cent of children have been scared by an animal’s behaviour.

The charity said the main cause of antisocial behaviour was a lack of socialisation with other people and animals. Some 61 per cent of pets had not attended training classes within their first six months. Elaine Pendlebury, senior veterinarian with the PDSA, said owners should “take dog aggression seriously” and research the breeds they buy.