Dog Bite Prevention Week - First Full Week of May
Forwarded message - for info, please visit web pages cited below
Dog Bite Prevention Week - May 20 - May 26
The first full week of May is Dog Bite Prevention Week. The event is backed by
the US Postal Service (USPS) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA),
with additional information available from Humane Society of the United States
(HSUS).
From USPS -
Every spring the U.S. Postal Service calls attention to what continues to be one
of the nation's most commonly reported public health problems: dog bites.
National Dog Bite Awareness Week in May is the Postal Service's public service
campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased pet owner
responsibility in preventing these troubling animal attacks.
The Humane Society of the United States reports that small children, the
elderly, and Postal Service letter carriers - in that order - are the most frequent victims of dog bites. Recent statistics show the annual number of dog attacks exceeds the reported instances of measles, whooping cough, and mumps, combined. In addition, dog bite victims account for up to five percent of emergency room visits.
Although the Postal Service and other organizations recognize the importance of
a nationwide effort to prevent dog bites, more needs to be done. In 2001, for the
first time in more than a decade, the number of dog bites reported by letter carriers
exceeded 3,000. In 2002, that number grew to over 3,800. In 2003, the number declined to just above 3,400, but that still means that an average of 11 letter carriers suffer dog-related injuries each delivery day. Many of the bites reported occurred despite pet owners' insistence that their dogs would not bite.
From AVMAhttp://www.avma.org/pubhlth/dogbite/default.asp
Dog Bite Fact Sheet
An estimated 4.7 million Americans will be bitten this year.
Primary victims are children.
As many as 800,000 people annually require medical treatment for dog bites.
About 12 people each year die from dog attacks.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, insurance companies paid
$317.2 million for dog bite liability claims in 2005 alone.
Dog Bite Prevention Message Points
May 2006
DOG ATTACKS ARE A SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM
Dog bites requiring medical attention in the United States number 500,000 to
800,000 annually. Countless more bites go unreported and untreated.
On average, about a dozen people died each year from dog bites.
DOG BITES CAN ALSO RESULT IN CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LIABILITY FOR PET OWNERS
Over the past 15 years, more than half the states have passed laws with stiff
penalties for owners of dogs who cause serious injury or death.
The Insurance Information Institute estimates that dog bites cost insurers
roughly $317.2 million in 2005.
REGARDLESS OF SIZE OR BREED, ALL DOGS CAN BITE IF PROVOKED. RESPONSIBLE PET
OWNERSHIP IS KEY TO REDUCING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A DOG BITE AND CAN ENHANCE THE OWNER/DOG RELATIONSHIP
There is no such thing as a bad breed of dog. All dogs can bite if provoked.
Responsible dog ownership is key.
Carefully consider your pet selection. Consult your veterinarian.
Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around strangers and other animals. Don't
put your dog in a position where it feels threatened and teased.
Train your dog to respond to the basic commands.
Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies.
Neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
Be alert to signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling agressive.
IN MANY INSTANCES, A DOG ATTACK IS AVOIDABLE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO SAY CALM IF APPROACHED BY A DOG.
Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
Teach young children to be careful around pets. Children should be taught not to
approach strange dogs. They should ask permission from a dog's owner before
petting the dog.
Never disturb a dog that's caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.
If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will go
away when it determines you are not a threat.
If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Don't scream. If you say anything,
speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or
back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Don't turn and run.
If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over
your head and neck. Protect your face.
A brochure titled "What you should know about Dog Bite Prevention," provides
tips on responsible dog ownership, as well as suggestions on how to avoid being a victim of a dog attack.
Educational Resources for Dog Bite Prevention
April 28, 2004
FROM THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION...
The following items are available from the American Veterinary Medical
Association unless otherwise indicated. To obtain copies write to the AVMA at 1931 N Meacham Rd, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173 or call 847-925-8070, ext 6667.
A community approach to dog bite prevention (PDF) This report, intended for
communities interested in developing a comprehensive bite prevention program, includes model legislation for the control of dangerous dogs; download a PDF by clicking on the title above, read the published report in the June 1, 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, or obtain reprints by writing or calling the AVMA.
Don't worry, they won't bite... This brochure features helpful tips on how to
prevent dog bites and what to do if your dog bites someone or you are bitten. Developed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, State Farm Insurance, and the Insurance Information Institute you may download a PDF copy or obtain multiple copies from your local State Farm agent or contact State Farm Insurance, One State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710.
Fido! Friend or foe? This children's coloring and activity book was developed by
Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and State Farm Insurance. Obtain
copies from your local State Farm agent or contact State Farm Insurance, One State Farm Plaza, Bloomington, IL 61710.
The veterinarian's way of selecting a proper pet This booklet intended for
adults can be found at
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/petselection/consider.asp.
People and animals sharing the world A copy of this 4th grade classroom program
can be obtained by writing or calling the AVMA.
FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS...
Inclusion of materials in the following list should not be construed as
endorsement of these materials by the AVMA. Inquiries regarding cost and availability of these materials should be directed to the source indicated. Are you aware of dog bite prevention materials that are not included in this list? Write and let us know!
Video News Release
"How to Avoid Dog Bites" is a broadcast quality and web video available from the
Insurance Information Institute, www.iii.org/media/av/ (scroll down to "How to Avoid Dog Bites").
News media may request a broadcast quality tape of the video news release from
Washington Independent Productions, 202-638-3400.
Brochures and booklets
Keeping your child safe from dog bites (1999 booklet; available from Channing L
Bete Co Inc, 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373).
Preventing and avoiding dog bites (flyer, intended for dog owners; available
from The Humane Society of the United States, Dept DBP, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037 or www.hsus.org/ace/13511).
A dog's eye view—Dog safety tips for kids (and parents, too) (2003 brochure;
order from your local American Family Insurance agent or write American Family Insurance, National Headquarters, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 or www.amfam.com/loss_control/brochures/dogview.asp).
Stay safe around animals (1988 booklet, intended for adults; available from
Channing L Bete Co Inc, 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373).
Gypsy and you—How to avoid dog bites (2000 booklet, intended for children; order
from the American Humane Association, 63 Inverness Dr, Englewood, CO 80112 or
www.americanhumane.org).
Lesson plans
The school nurse lesson plan for dog bite prevention (2004, intended for K-3rd
grades, to parallel and reinforce the dog bite prevention education in the video, "Bow Wow, Ow"; the lesson plan is available from Virginia Smith, RN, MSN, MEd., Coordinator Health Services, Southwest Region, Clark County School District, Las Vegas, Nevada or download at http://www.nevadacf.org/dogbitelesson2.pdf.)
Dog bite prevention (1997, intended for elementary school children; obtain a
copy from Dr. Sally O. Walshaw, Michigan State University, Clinical Center C-100, East
Lansing, MI 48824).
Dog bite prevention lesson plan (1997, plan-referenced handouts; obtain from the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Education Department,
424 East 92nd St, New York, NY 10128).
Learning and living together—Building the human-animal bond (1986, contains a
"Prevent a Bite" lesson; available from the People Pet Partnership, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164)
Coloring and activity books
Staying safe from dog bites (1999, coloring and activity book; obtain from
Channing L Bete Co Inc, 200 State Road, South Deerfield, MA 01373; www.channing-bete.com).
Dog bite dos and don'ts (no date, coloring page; available from The Humane
Society of the United States, Dept DBP, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037; www.hsus.org).
Living compatibly with dogs (1997, coloring book; order from the Wisconsin
Veterinary Medical Association, 301 N Broom St, Madison, WI 53703; www.wvma.org).
Be bite free—A children's safety book (coloring book; order from The SPCA of
Texas Education Department, 362 S Industrial Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207).
Videotapes
Dogs, cats & kids (intented for ages 5 through 12, order by phone: 312-650-0800,
or by e-mail: dmanelli@earthlink.net)
Animal safety is fun! (1988, 15-minute VHS format, intended for elementary
school children; obtain from Dr. J.M. Cornwell, Glencoe Animal Hospital, 3712 N High
St, Columbus, OH 43214).
Bow Wow "Ow!"— Learning to be safe with dogs (2003, 8 minutes, intended for ages
4 through 9, order form at www.BowWowOw.com, or call 775-688-6278.)
Dog bite prevention (no date, 15-minute VHS format, intended for adults
providing home services and dog owners (postal workers, delivery people, etc.); available from The Latham Foundation, 510-521-0920, www.latham.org/shop/prodserv.asp).
Animals can bite (no date, 13-minute VHS format, intended for children; order
from Pyramid Media, www.pyramidmedia.com).
Mr. Bugs dog bite prevention program (no date, 11-minute VHS format, suitable
for multiple age groups, manual also available; available from The Hawaiian Humane
Society, www.hawaiianhumane.org/programs/dogbite).
Field officer safety (no date, 1 1/2-hour VHS format, intended for animal
control officers; order from Dr. Dog, Dr. Dennis Fetko, https://secure.sec-orders.com/secdrdog/prod02.htm).
Multiple component educational kits and programs
The bite free unit—Playing it safe with Dogs ("Bite Free" video [10-min VHS
format], "Tom and Luka Teach Bite Free" video [16-minute VHS format], reproducible master of a take-home brochure and board game, lesson plans [ages 3 through 12], and presenter's guide, 1998; order from British Columbia SPCA, 322-470 Granville St, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6C 1V5 or www.spca.bc.ca).
Pinellas pet education partnership—The pet professor program (2004,
multiple-faceted program designed to teach responsible pet ownership; obtain information from the Pinellas Animal Foundation, www.vetsforpets.org/process.cfm?pageID=13).
Reports on evaluated programs
Chapman S, Cornwall J, Righetti J, Sung L. Preventing dog bites in children:
randomized controlled trial of an educational intervention. British Medical Journal
2000;320(7248), 1512.
Spiegel IB. A pilot study to evaluate an elementary school-based dog bite
prevention program. Anthrozöos 2000;13(3):164-173.
From HSUS
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/stay_dog_bite_free/index.html
Stay Dog Bite Free!
Looking for information on preventing and avoiding dog bites? You've come to the
right place.
Millions of Americans share their homes with dogs. The vast majority of
interactions between people and dogs are happy and benign. But for millions of Americans, the interactions are less positive; every year, an estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, ranging from minor nips to major attacks.
That's why The Humane Society of the United States works to reduce dog bite
injuries. The good news is that dog bites can be prevented. Read our suggestions regarding how you can bite-proof your dog and stay safe around other canines.
Avoiding Dog Bites http://tinyurl.com/88shb
Dog Bite Prevention Resources for Children http://tinyurl.com/35teho
Preventing Dog Bites http://tinyurl.com/7utmx
Posted on SHARE Yahooo group - May 13, 2007