Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, was delighted to welcome Welsh Assembly Members to the Be Dog Smart reception recently to support the crucial campaign that teaches parents how to keep children safe around dogs. With 580,000 dogs currently in Wales and rising, it’s more important than ever to be dog smart. The event was attended by Paul Davies AM for Preseli Pembrokeshire who turned up to support Dogs Trust’s campaign and essential take-away message; never leave any child alone with any dog. Guests also had the chance to meet Dogs Trust Wales’ Education Officer, Claire Kendrick, who was on hand to offer advice and answer queries about dog safety.
Commenting from the event, Mr Davies said, “I was delighted to welcome Dogs Trust to the Assembly and to learn more about their fantastic Be Dog Smart education campaign. Dog control and welfare is such an important issue and I’m encouraged to see Dogs Trust take this preventative approach towards tackling dog attacks. All children remember their Green Cross Code and we want Be Dog Smart to be just as well known – amongst Assembly Members, too!”
There is no escaping the hard fact that dog attacks are on the rise, the rate of hospital admissions for dog bites is highest among the 0-9 age group and the peak age for admission among children in Wales is 2-4 years old*.
Campaigns, Community and Education Manager Sian Edwards comments: “The recent release of the Public Health Wales Review into Dog Bites and Strikes on Children was encouraging as Dogs Trust is also focused on preventive measures that keep children safe. Youngsters can come into contact with dogs every day and the simple fact is that all dogs have teeth and any dog can bite or snap if worried, scared or hurt. To reduce the number of dog attacks it is important that we teach children how to behave safely around dogs.”
Dogs Trust recently revealed that over half of primary school children questioned** believed that a growling dog was smiling and approachable. To demonstrate the importance of understanding your dog’s behaviour, attendee AMs were put to the test and encouraged to study a series of photographs and correctly identify dogs’ emotions. Those who correctly recognised dogs displaying signs of fear, worry or stress were awarded with an “I’m Dog Smart” certificate.
By working with adults, children, and Assembly Members alike Dogs Trust aims to teach all members of the community how to live safely with man’s best friend.
For more information, advice or to book a Be Dog Smart workshop in Wales please visit www.bedogsmart.org.uk where the ‘Be Dog Smart’ Family Guide is also available for download and packed full of highly practical tips for the whole family.