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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.