As dog owners, citizens, you can prevent dog bites

Rockford, IL -- Tamra Bright was doing nothing to invite the neighbors' dog, a pit bull-chow mix, to bite her savagely on the arm. The bite required 28 stitches and ruined the most gorgeous of mornings for this 41-year-old mother.

With the attack, Bright entered a club not of her choosing: The millions of people who are victims of dog bites every year. As the weather gets warmer, more people and more pets head outside, increasing the chances for these dangerous encounters.

WHILE THERE ARE no guarantees, you can avoid trouble from either side of the fence -- either as innocent bystander or dog owner.

The incident happened at 10:25 a.m. on a sunny and warm Tuesday on Kinsey Street on Rockford's southeast side. Bright was walking two blocks from her daughter's house to her house when a loose dog attacked and clamped down on her right arm. Bright's daughter said the dog had been loose before and had bitten a man's pants. The dog's owner, who received a citation from the city for allowing her dog to run, said she noticed the animal had been getting more aggressive. She decided to have it euthanized. It was the right thing to do, finally.

Responsible dog owners will recognize changes in their dogs before they hurt someone.

Owners can take steps to prevent aggression, according to the U.S. Humane Society and the Centers for Disease Control. Properly socialize your dog. Don't leave it chained too long or alone too much. Never leave infants or children alone with dogs, regardless of breed. Spay or neuter your dog to reduce aggressive tendencies. Do not play aggressive games. Teach the dog submissive behaviors. Only experienced owners should own certain breeds. If you have any doubt whether your dog is trustworthy, consult a veterinarian.

People can avoid getting bitten, too, if they follow basic rules. Avoid unfamiliar dogs, and don't pet any dog before you allow it to see and sniff you first. Don't ever scream or run from a dog. If you are chased, stop and remain motionless. Avoid eye contact and back away slowly. If attacked, roll into a ball and use your arms to protect your head.

The CDC says that in 1994 (the most recent year data were available), 4.7 million dog bites occurred. Every year, 800,000 people seek medical attention for dog bites. Small children, the elderly and letter carriers are the most common victims. Of the people injured, 386,000 are hurt seriously enough to require treatment in an emergency room and 12 people die.

FROM TIME TO TIME in Rockford, elected officials discuss bans of breeds or "breed-specific" legislation. These laws are not the answer. It is true some breeds are more prone to aggression than others. But all dogs can be good pets. The way they are raised, socialized and treated is key.

Besides, in the bite case this week, the dog was a pit bull-chow mix. Would a breed ban apply only to purebreds? What about mixes? How much pit bull or Doberman or Rottweiler blood would trigger a ban? In many instances, the victims themselves cannot identify the breed of dog that bit them.

Education, for residents and owners alike, is the best defense.

 

Very good article, this is from my area (about 45 mins. away). Good to see someone had their head on straight.