17 percent rise in dog bite incidents
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Northamptonshire Police has seen a 17 percent rise in reported dog bite incidents in the last 12 months. Of the 450 incidents, 30 percent have involved children under the age of ten.
These incidents have happened both in the home and in public places and officers are urging people who own dogs to take the necessary steps to ensure their dog is always under control and isn’t placed in a situation where it could cause harm.
Detective Inspector Liam O’Neill from the Force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit said:
“We’ve seen a significant rise in dog bite incidents, and it’s really concerning that so many children have been harmed in this way. Some of the attacks have been on very young children and could have resulted in fatal consequences.
“Children are vulnerable and deserve to be protected. The owner of the dog has ultimate responsibility that no-one is harmed and that the dog is trained and controlled.
“It’s also important owners are mindful of environmental factors in relation to their dogs - and that parents teach children how to stay safe around dogs, to protect both the child and dog. Research shows that children are far more likely to be bitten by their family dog than any others.
“Safeguarding is at the forefront of police action and our officers won’t hesitate in removing a dog and prosecuting owners who have poor or irresponsible management of their animal.
“If you own or have control of a dog, please remember you are responsible for any damage your dog may commit, and make yourself aware of all the steps you can take to prevent the risk of harm to other people. Being in control of a dangerously out of control animal is serious criminal offence and could result in a custodial sentence.”
The RSPCA’s website https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/company/children contains lots of information about minimising the risks.
They have produced six golden rules for keeping your children safe and your dogs happy.
- Stay with your children around dogs
Never leave your child alone in the same room as a dog, even your own.
- Interact with dogs at the right times
Teach your child not to approach dogs when they're:
- Eating or having a treat
- Have a toy or something else they really like
- Sleeping
- Unwell, injured or tired
- Blind or deaf
- Be gentle
Teach your child to be kind and polite to dogs. Don't let your child climb on dogs, pull their ears or do anything you wouldn't allow them to do to another child.
- Play nicely and teach tricks
Teach your child how to play nicely with your dog. For example, your child can teach your dog some really fun tricks like shake a paw, play dead or roll-over.
- Give your dog space if they need it
Supervise your child when they're with your dog - if your dog looks unhappy, let them go somewhere they feel safe and happy.
- Don't let your children approach dogs they don't know
Don't allow your child to approach a dog they don't know, such as when you're out in the park.