According to The Star, for a variety of reasons, including to give their kids a playmate or to guard their loved ones, people may decide to adopt a dog. That's not all, either. A recent American study found that having dogs in a residential area can contribute to the neighborhood's safety.
American researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that areas with a high domestic dog population have lower rates of homicide, robbery, and serious bodily assault than those with fewer canines.
The researcher explains that "people walking their dogs are effectively patrolling their neighborhoods." They notice when something is off and when suspicious outsiders are present, it might serve as a crime deterrence.
The researchers discovered that among communities whose residents get along well, those with a high concentration of dogs had robbery rates that were approximately two-thirds lower than those with a low concentration and homicide rates that were about half as high.
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"Trust between neighbors doesn't benefit neighborhoods as much if there aren't any witnesses to what is happening on the streets. Walking dogs accomplishes that, according to Pinchak.