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Original poster

Dog crates are cruel

314 replies

Poppycorn123 · 02/09/2026 13:31

In light of this terrible story I think they should be banned. Yes people will say they are good for training etc but I think in general they are being overused. A family member would put the dog in it while they have guests. Dog is not vicious or anything, just gets a bit excited as a young dog should. I think this is awful.

OP posts:
Original poster
Poppycorn123 · 02/09/2026 13:41

PoliteSquid · 02/09/2026 13:38

My dog is 6 and taps on his crate when he’s decided it’s time for bed - I like to remind him that I’m in charge of my own bed time 🤣

Yes, sometimes people are cruel to their pets using things like crates… but that doesn’t mean dog crates are cruel.

@politesquidDo you lock him in it at night?

OP posts:
moppety · 02/09/2026 13:41

Cruel owners are cruel. A crate is just a crate.

lifeturnsonadime · 02/09/2026 13:41

Poppycorn123 · 02/09/2026 13:38

Strange HappiestSleeping, I can see the story ok. Basically two dogs were found dead in their crates despite neighbours concerns. Neighbours contacted the police numerous times but nothing was done.

Presumably, if this was due to neglect and not looking after them ,and they would have suffered the same fate with or without the crate?

YABVU to ban all crates as a result of this issue. I don't use one routinely but both of mine are able to go into crates for their safety if necessary.

TheLightSideOfTheMoon · 02/09/2026 13:41

Agree.

The average dog crate would be considered too small and cruel for a small rabbit to use.

Our rat enclosure is double the size of some of the dog crates I’ve seen.

Putting dog in one is insane behaviour.

ByKindNavySwan · 02/09/2026 13:41

Poppycorn123 · 02/09/2026 13:38

Strange HappiestSleeping, I can see the story ok. Basically two dogs were found dead in their crates despite neighbours concerns. Neighbours contacted the police numerous times but nothing was done.

The crate is not the causation here. They could have died after being abandoned in the house without a crate.

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 02/09/2026 13:40

We used one when our first dog was a puppy - we didn’t overuse it, but she was in it over night. Even after we stopped closing her in it at night, it was still her safe space. We left it open, and she would choose to go into it - she liked it in there.

Original poster
Poppycorn123 · 02/09/2026 13:38

Strange HappiestSleeping, I can see the story ok. Basically two dogs were found dead in their crates despite neighbours concerns. Neighbours contacted the police numerous times but nothing was done.

OP posts:
PoliteSquid · 02/09/2026 13:38

My dog is 6 and taps on his crate when he’s decided it’s time for bed - I like to remind him that I’m in charge of my own bed time 🤣

Yes, sometimes people are cruel to their pets using things like crates… but that doesn’t mean dog crates are cruel.

Didntask · 02/09/2026 13:38

Yanbu. At best, they're for clueless owners, at worst for lazy owners. Can't be arsed to dog proof your house? Crate. Can't be arsed to supervise your dog? Crate. Can't be arsed to house/toilet train your dog properly? Crate.

MuffinCHeeler · 02/09/2026 13:37

If dog is trained positively and crate used correctly they are a very positive tool for welfare, well-supported by behavioural and welfare science.

Imaginingdragonsagain · 02/09/2026 13:35

I’m not going to read your story but we use a crate. To our dog it’s her bed and she’s happy in there.

HappiestSleeping · 02/09/2026 13:35

What terrible story @Poppycorn123 ? I agree with @UnwillingAdvocate in that it depends if the handler understands how to use the tool appropriately. Plenty of people don't know how to use a lead, which can, and often does damage the dog's neck / trachea. A crate is no different. It is a tool that when used well is beneficial and does no harm, but when used badly can do much harm.

ETA - cross posted - would be useful to have a summary as that link is behind a pay wall

OP posts:
UnwillingAdvocate · 02/09/2026 13:32

Depends if you understand how to use them as a training tool or not.