Dogs 'used as commodities'

Dangerous dogs are being traded for thousands of pounds as part of drug deals and debt payments by gangs.

A new report from Middlesex University says dogs like mastiffs and pit bulls are being bred to make money, and being used as a commodity to be traded. Paul Brand reports:

Dr Simon Harding of Middlesex University London, who is behind new research that has found dogs are being used as business assets, explains his key findings:

Dangerous dogs are being bred by young men as business assets in drug deals, debt collection and for their gang image, according to research published today.

More young men were using aggressive dogs, such as Pitbulls, as a "commodity" for security and making money in gangs, the study found.

Dr Simon Harding, of Middlesex University London, who is behind the research, said: "For many young people, dogs are increasingly viewed as a commodity which can be traded up or down like a mobile phone.