Preventing Dog Attacks

In recent weeks, media attention has been on vicious-dog attacks on humans. The Humane Society of the United States reports 28 human deaths across the nation since 1983 as a result of these attacks. There is no point in reiterating the reasons for these tragedies, which struck both the people involved and the pitiful animals who are unwitting victims of poor breeding and stupid, wrongful training.

We are fortunate that in Irvine, our Vicious Dog Ordinance is more extensive than that legislated by the State of California to provide protection to the community. We can only hope that our City Council can take our ordinance a step further by requiring owners of declared vicious dogs to carry a $1-million liability policy, as other communities are now doing.

What is important to consider now is how does a child or an adult protect himself/herself against a free-roaming, possibly aggressive dog. The following are some suggestions to follow, especially geared for children, that might prevent a dog bite and even an outright attack.

First, please teach your children that dogs are naturally protective. They will protect their family, yard, food, car, puppies and even “their” street, if they get out of their yard. So, please teach your children to:

Walk on by a dog that is eating, in a parked car, protecting her puppies, running loose, protecting its yard by barking at you or quarreling with another dog. Alert a grown-up about a dog fight.

If a strange dog rushes up to you barking and growling, stop. Don’t run. Stay still, and don’t scream. Let the dog sniff you. He may even jump on you. Stay calm. Chances are the dog will tire of sniffing you and go on its way.

If you are knocked down, quickly roll on your stomach with your arms and hands protecting your face, neck and head. Freeze. Remember what the dog looks like if you are bitten. Children should then alert a grown-up.

The foregoing is not intended to alarm parents and their children but merely to teach a few safety precautions. The large majority of dogs your children will encounter during their lifetimes will be wonderful, friendly, lovable creatures.

LOIS ANNE WELSH

President,

A Committee of Friends of the

Irvine Animal Care Center Inc.