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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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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.