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New guidance aims to reduce dog bites to children
Ninety-one per cent of bite injuries to children under the age of 14 years are caused by a dog known to the child.
Dogs Trust says supervision of children and dogs essential in preventing incidents.

Ahead of the school holidays, Dogs Trust has issued new guidance to help reduce the number of dog bites to children. The charity says that close supervision is essential in preventing many incidents from occurring.

Research shows that 91 per cent of bite injuries to children under the age of 14 years are caused by a dog known to the child. But new statistics released by Dogs Trust show that 84 per cent of parents leave their children unsupervised with dogs in their home.

Research also shows that dog bites in the home are often preceded by interactions such as children cuddling, hugging, brushing or kissing the dog.

Dogs Trust new guidance is aimed at busy parents and caregivers and advises following the Three S’s whenever dogs and children are together:
  1. Stay close - Watch, listen, and remain close during child-dog interactions
  2. Step in -  Intervene when either the child or dog looks uncomfortable or acts in an unsafe way
  3. Separate -  Separate the child and dog if you are likely to be preoccupied or distracted, like using a physical barrier such as a baby gate
According to results from a YouGov survey, 52 per cent of parents rely on basic obedience training to keep children safe around dogs, rather than separating. Only a quarter of those asked would put children and dogs in separate rooms. Twenty-nine per cent use a stairgate to separate dogs from children.

Owen Sharp, chief executive at Dogs Trust, said: “Around a third of all UK households now own a dog, and most dogs live harmoniously with children without incident. But with the majority of bites happening within the home, it’s important that parents and caregivers take steps to make sure children are always supervised around dogs, even those dogs that they know very well. 

“Basic training of dogs is not enough; close supervision of children and dogs while interacting is the most effective way of preventing incidents. 

“Unfortunately, when the worst does happen, not only are children injured, but it can also have a devastating impact on the family pet, with some dogs handed over to organisations like ours for rehoming, or in some cases, euthanised.”

Dogs Trust guidance is accompanied by a short video, and the charity is also offering a free virtual masterclass to parents and caregivers. The masterclass offers tips on implementing the Three S’s and how to spot the signs of worry in a dog that can easily be missed.

Image (C) Dogs Trust

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.