NATIONAL DOG BITE PREVENTION WEEK IS MAY 18TH – 24TH
(Phoenix, AZ – May 6, 2014) – National Dog Bite Prevention Week kicks off May 18th and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (MCACC) is using the opportunity to educate the public about interacting safely with dogs.
“We’ve seen a slight decrease in the number of reported dog bites in 2014,” said Al Aguinaga, MCACC Field Enforcement Division Manager. “Although our numbers are down, there is still a need to educate the public on how they can prevent dog bites”
Dog Bite Prevention Week is the perfect time to educate children on the importance of interacting appropriately with dogs. Teach kids never to hug or kiss a dog on the face. If your child is approached by a strange dog, teach him to stand still. Remind children to never disturb a dog that is sleeping, playing with a favorite toy, eating, or protecting its puppies. Parents are reminded to always supervise their children’s interaction with dogs.
If you are a dog owner, there are steps you can take that may help prevent your dog from biting: spay or neuter your dog, socialize your dog so that he is comfortable in a variety of situations, train your dog and teach him manners so that you can safely control him, and don’t encourage your dog to be aggressive– even during play. Always supervise your dog when he is around children.
MCACC also reminds dog owners that bites which break the skin must be reported to Animal Care & Control. Dog bites can be reported online at www.maricopa.gov/pets. Dogs who have bitten but who are licensed in Maricopa County and current on rabies vaccinations may be eligible for at-home quarantine.
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is a full service animal welfare agency with shelter, adoptions, field services, licensing and education programs. Our mission is to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of people and pets in Maricopa County.
