(Wood Green Press Release) All too frequently we see headlines about attacks on children and adults by their own family pet or friends’ or relatives’ dogs.
To keep children safe around dogs and understand when an animal is distressed, Wood Green, the Animals Charity, has launched a six-minute animated video (below) – starring dogs Woody and Wiggles – explaining the essential dog behaviour basics every child should know.
There are 8.5 million pet dogs in the UK and the Government estimates more than 210,000 people are bitten by dogs each year in England alone, with 6,317 of those needing urgent hospital treatment last year.
Tragically, we have also seen a number of high profile fatal dog attacks on children in the past couple of years.
Children under nine are the most at risk of injury, and due to their size they suffer more head injuries than teenagers and adults, who are more likely to experience wounds to the wrists and hands.
Emma Hudgell, Community Education Manager, said: “At Wood Green we feel it is extremely important to promote ways of having fun with your dog but also staying safe.
“For this reason the Charity’s Education team have put together a dog safety video aimed at families with an existing dog, those who may visit dogs – for example, at a relative’s home – or those thinking of getting a dog in the future.
“The video looks at how to read a dog’s body language, when to leave even the friendliest dog alone, and how to safely meet a dog for the first time, and sits alongside the series of talks and activities offered by Wood Green’s Education team to all age groups.”
The Charity’s next free “Living with Dogs” workshop takes place at the Godmanchester Centre on October 12th, for more information click here.