Welcome to our 'Keep Me Safe.. When I'm with dogs' page. This campaign promotes responsible dog ownership, while demonstrating the best way for people to stay safe around dogs. Here we will share the practical steps we can all take to keep everyone (including dogs) safe.
The benefits of pet ownership are well documented, and can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children and adults alike. Looking after a pet can instil a sense of responsibility, promote a love of animals in general, and remind us of the importance of self care, too. But it's important to be aware of the risks we face in keeping animals. There have, in recent years, be numerous high profile cases of dogs attacks in the UK. Sadly, some of these have lead to the deaths of adults and children, that could have be prevented.
Whilst dogs can be an important part of a healthy family life, it's important we all ackowledge the risks in keeping them in our home. The Office For National Statsistics (ONS) reported a significant increase in dog bite injuries and deaths in their most recent data. It is the responsibility of all us to think about how we can prevent this happening. Babies and children are at higher risk of injury. A young child will be unaware of the potential dangers they could face and will be less able to protect themselves.
Most dog attacks occur within the home and by a dog known to the family. Attacks are known to have taken place within homes of relatives, too. Never leave a baby or child unsupervised with any dog, even for a moment, no matter how well you think you may know that dog.
The key learning from several safeguarding reports and also guidance from animal welfare charities is:
- Never leave a child alone with any dog even for a moment.
- All dog bites are preventable.
- Close supervision is key to ensuring dogs and children can live safely together.
- The importance of understanding your dog’s language.
- Never allow your child to approach an animal they don’t know.
- All dogs have the potential to bite.
For more information, go to the Guidance link in the top right hand side of this page.
Welcome to our 'Keep Me Safe.. When I'm with dogs' page. This campaign promotes responsible dog ownership, while demonstrating the best way for people to stay safe around dogs. Here we will share the practical steps we can all take to keep everyone (including dogs) safe.
The benefits of pet ownership are well documented, and can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children and adults alike. Looking after a pet can instil a sense of responsibility, promote a love of animals in general, and remind us of the importance of self care, too. But it's important to be aware of the risks we face in keeping animals. There have, in recent years, be numerous high profile cases of dogs attacks in the UK. Sadly, some of these have lead to the deaths of adults and children, that could have be prevented.
Whilst dogs can be an important part of a healthy family life, it's important we all ackowledge the risks in keeping them in our home. The Office For National Statsistics (ONS) reported a significant increase in dog bite injuries and deaths in their most recent data. It is the responsibility of all us to think about how we can prevent this happening. Babies and children are at higher risk of injury. A young child will be unaware of the potential dangers they could face and will be less able to protect themselves.
Most dog attacks occur within the home and by a dog known to the family. Attacks are known to have taken place within homes of relatives, too. Never leave a baby or child unsupervised with any dog, even for a moment, no matter how well you think you may know that dog.
The key learning from several safeguarding reports and also guidance from animal welfare charities is:
- Never leave a child alone with any dog even for a moment.
- All dog bites are preventable.
- Close supervision is key to ensuring dogs and children can live safely together.
- The importance of understanding your dog’s language.
- Never allow your child to approach an animal they don’t know.
- All dogs have the potential to bite.
For more information, go to the Guidance link in the top right hand side of this page.
