A new study from The Ohio State University has found that neighborhoods with more dogs had lower rates of robbery, homicide and aggravated assault, especially in neighborhoods where the residents say they trust each other.
In conducting their research, study experts looked at crime statistics from 595 neighborhood blocks in Columbus, Ohio, in addition to a survey that determined how many of those individuals had a dog in their house.
A general feeling of trust was also factored into study results. According to The Hill, an Adolescent Health and Development in Context study asked participants if “people on the streets can be trusted” in their neighborhoods.
So basically, more dog parents out walking their dogs and interacting with others creates more “eyes on the street” and a stronger feeling of engagement in their neighborhood. While we already know the benefits of having a dog can be life-changing (literally), now we can add one more reason to the list.