The survey revealed that 70 per cent of children aged between seven and 11 are being left alone with their pet at least once a week.  

Animal charities team up this Child Safety Week (2-8 June).

This Child Safety Week (2-8 June), animal welfare organisations are teaming up to provide educational sessions to help keep children safe around pets.

The move comes in response to an RSPCA survey which found that one fifth of children aged between the ages of seven and 11 have been bitten by a pet. Of these, more than half of the incidents were so severe the children had to see a doctor.

During the week, umbrella organisation The Pet Education Partnership will be hosting two webinars.

The first session will be aimed at those working in the animal welfare sector (4 June). Then, on Thursday 5 June, there will be a session for educators, parents and carers exploring children’s attitudes towards pets, dog safety awareness and the five welfare needs.

Caroline Francoli, education advisor at the RSPCA, said: “This important research has driven the content for the Pet Education Partnership’s upcoming webinars and resources to address the lack of knowledge around interpreting dog behaviour, appropriate ways to show affection to a dog and how to play with them to keep young people safer.

"This partnership with leading animal welfare charities across the sector has the potential to create a more empathetic generation and positively impact the lives of pets in the long term".
 
Shed added: “We know that dogs and children can be great friends and having a dog can help children develop kindness, responsibility, understanding and respect for animals. The bond they have with their childhood dog will often stay with them for a lifetime - but it’s crucially important that young people learn how to behave safely around their pets and for parents and guardians to be informed to prevent dog bites from happening.”

The RSPCA's survey of some 1,000 children also revealed that 70 per cent of are being left alone with their pet at least once a week. Of the children bitten by a dog, 27 per cent were playing with their pet and 11 per cent were cuddling or kissing them.

Maria Kyle, intervention development manager at Dogs Trust, said: “These findings will support the Pet Education Partnership and its member organisations to shape and strengthen existing education programmes, particularly those aimed at reducing dog bites. Reaching children, parents, caregivers, and other key stakeholders with evidence-led initiatives gives us the best chance of improving safety outcomes for both people and dogs.”

The Pet Education Partnership includes including RSPCA, USPCA, Scottish SPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and Woodgreen Pets Charity. For more information visit: peteducationpartnership.org