Safety Message From the Office of the Chief Coroner - Reducing Dog Attacks

Safety Message From the Office of the Chief Coroner - Reducing Dog Attacks

KINGSTON, ON, July 24 /CNW/ - The Office of the Chief Coroner recently
investigated the death of a 17-month-old Eastern Ontario girl who died after
being attacked by a dog. This tragedy has prompted the Chief Coroner to issue
information that may help in the prevention of similar deaths.

Animal behaviour experts believe that most dog bites are preventable.

Certain dogs and breeds however, may be more aggressive than others due to
genetics and/or learned behaviour.

In order to reduce the incidence of dog bites and attacks, the Office of
the Chief Coroner, in consultation with animal welfare and public safety
specialists, recommends the following:

- When purchasing or adopting a puppy, try to obtain as much
background information on the dog as possible.

- It's extremely important to socialize a puppy during the first three
to 16 weeks of its life. Socializing a puppy may assist in making
the animal less fearful of new people and other dogs, and will
contribute to the development of a stable disposition. Well-run
puppy classes can be a wonderful way to teach puppies appropriate
behaviour and will provide positive socialization with other people
and dogs.

- Start teaching puppies and young dogs what is acceptable behaviour
at an early age. This is best accomplished by not emphasizing
physical punishment, but by using positive reinforcement for
desirable behaviour.

- Unprovoked aggressive behaviour in any dog is cause for great
concern. If you are not sure how to address behavioural issues with
your dog, ask your veterinarian for advice.

- Never leave children unsupervised with a dog, no matter how
trustworthy you think it may be. Most dogs can be provoked into
biting, sometimes inadvertently.

- Dogs are pets that require a considerable amount of commitment in
terms of time, effort, and expense. Dogs require adequate
supervision, exercise, training, and veterinary care. Not being able
to make these commitments can result in behaviour problems in your
pet.

- Teach children to be respectful of all dogs, whether they are
familiar with them or not. Children should never approach or attempt
to pet unknown dogs.

- Never assume that a dog will react in a friendly manner. Always ask
the dog's owner for permission to pet their dog. If the owner is not
present, do not approach the dog.

- If a dog is acting in an aggressive manner, do not stare directly at
it. The dog may perceive this as threatening. Do not run away. Try
to stand still and remain calm. When dogs realize that you are not a
threat to them, they will often cease their aggressive behaviour.

- Never tease or agitate any dog, even if it is behind a fence or
being restrained.

- Do not rely on the breed of a dog to dictate its behaviour. Any dog,
regardless of breed, has the potential to become aggressive.

"The majority of dogs are not aggressive to people," says Dr. Andrew
McCallum, Regional Supervising Coroner for Eastern Ontario. "People should
treat all dogs, regardless of size or breed, with respect," reminds Dr.
McCallum.

For more information on dog safety, please contact your veterinarian,
local branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
or Ontario Humane Society.

Disponible en français

www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca

For further information: Dr. Andrew McCallum, Regional Supervising
Coroner for Eastern Ontario, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional
Services, (613) 544-1596