Dog crates are cruel

[Poppycorn123]

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.

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

Link https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/armagh-banbridge-craigavon-borough-council-refuses-to-answer-three-questions-about-two-pet-dogs-which-died-at-lurgan-house-8935427

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

@politesquidDo you lock him in it at night?

I'm not familiar with the story you refer to but no, I don't think crates are fundamentally bad if used the correct way. Our dog struggled to sleep as a pup, our vet recommended we crate train him. Set him up, all cozy with his toys and blankets and he took to it right away. It was his safe/quiet space. It was never used for punishment, he'd just toddle of there when he wanted alone time. He's elderly now and has outgrown the need for a crate but it was a godsend when he was younger.

Crates are only acceptable if they're left open at all times and the dog uses it to take himself away. Otherwise they're restrictive and cruel and if you wouldn't put your child in one, you shouldn't be putting your dog in one. In fact I think that people who shut their dogs in crates shouldn't have a dog

Both mine are crate trained, they're the safest way to transport in a car (where it's a legal requirement to have a dog restrained) and they don't get stressed if they go to the vets and need to stay or need to be rested after an injury etc, they're just their beds to them and their own space. If you ban crates people will still treat dogs badly, it's the people who do it that are the problem, not what they use.

The crate isn’t the reason they died, you muppet. They died because they have cruel owners.

This. The issue was that they were abandoned.

My last dog loved his crate- just saw it as a cosy bed. New dog hated the crate so we didn't use one. It's about being sensitive to your dog and using the crate appropriately if you do.

I didn't read the story but my dog loves her crate. She will often take herself there throughout the day and at night, puts herself to bed there- the door is never closed but she chooses to sleep there. We cover the top/sides with a blanket and its like a dark, safe den which she loves so no, i dont think its remotely cruel.

Exactly the same here

Those poor dogs, so cruel.

But no, I don't agree crates are always bad. My dog was crate trained as a puppy. She used to sleep in it overnight but hasnt done in years. She sees the crate as a safe space, and if she ever needs to be crated due to surgery/ ill health when she's older she won't be traumatised or upset.

Same here

I can’t read the story as I would be too upset. It’s like any dog tool, if used incorrectly of course dangerous. Human responsibility obviously!!!. My dog loves her den (crate) and goes in out of choice. She also travels happily and safely in her car crate.

I have 2 X puppies and a senior dog !
This is the first time I've ever crate trained because I have to !
If I didn't crate train now I'd have littermate syndrome on my hands and I'd have a stressed out senior dog !
I only do enforced naps and this is actually good for their mental and physical health because they grow so quickly they need alot of rest to also process what they have learnt through the day !
My puppies are well behaved and they listen to me when training !
I take them with me when I go out if I'm going to be longer than their 2 hour nap schedule!
People who don't agree with crate training I get it I've never used one before when I've just had 1 puppy !
Nothing is bad if done correctly it's bad dog owners their the reason those dogs died and that's beyond cruel why do people do this I don't know !!!
As an animal lover this is horrific!