|
Dog Buddies Program
Each year approximately 350 people are bitten by dogs in the City of Ottawa. Almost one third of these victims are children under the age of 10. Some biting incidents result in serious injuries. If the injuries are severe, or the dog is rabid, these incidents may be fatal. Furthermore, the psychological wounds left with the victim can last a lifetime.
Dog bite injuries are avoidable. All that is required are simple, yet effective, preventative steps. Ottawa Public Health, the Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's (CHEO's) Plan-It-Safe Injury Prevention program have teamed to offer Dog Buddies, a dog bite prevention program. Dog Buddies is an interactive program developed to target Grade 1 children by means of a video, game, instructional colouring book, poster and pamphlet. A letter for Grade 1 teachers was sent to each elementary school in the city to introduce the program.
The Humane Society of Ottawa-Carleton will present the Dog Buddies program at schools or other facilities for a nominal fee of $25. The Humane Society will bring in a volunteer with a trained dog to educate people on the proper techniques for approaching dogs. Specifically, how to approach a dog, which dogs to stay away from, what to do if an aggressive dog is encountered and what to do if you are knocked down by a dog.
By presenting this program in schools and in the community dog biting incidents will decrease. Ask your school if they have contacted the Humane Society for a Dog Buddies presentation.
If you would like more information about this program please call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744, ext. 23748.
|
