Observe Dog Bite Prevention Week By Teaching Children How To Interact With Animals

Denver (May 21, 2007)

A little education can go a long way in keeping children from being bitten by dogs this summer - the peak season for dog bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Humane Association encourages the public to observe the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 20-26, 2007, by urging parents and dog owners to learn how they can help keep their neighborhood children safe from dog bites.

Adults - both dog owners and parents - play the most important role in keeping children safe and ensuring that the interaction is positive for both the children and the dogs. Adults should teach children:

Never to approach an unknown dog or a dog who is without his owner, and always ask the owner’s permission before petting the dog.
If approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still like a tree.
Never run from or scream around a dog.
If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your face and stay still.
Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

“Any dog may bite, even your family pet,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and chief executive officer of American Humane. “Adults should always supervise children when they play with any dog, and they should teach children the best ways to approach and treat animals to avoid being bitten.”

According to the CDC and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in the United States:

Every 40 seconds, someone seeks medical attention for a dog-bite-related injury.
Dog attacks cause 4.7 million injuries annually, 800,000 of which require medical attention.
Children under 15 years of age are the most common victims, making up approximately 70 percent of all dog-bite victims.
At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog-bite-related fatalities.
Of the human deaths resulting from attacks by dogs, 24 percent involve unrestrained dogs off their owners' property and 58 percent involve unrestrained dogs on their owners' property.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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