National Dog Bite Prevention Week

May 16-22, 2010

The vast majority of interactions between people and dogs are happy and benign. But the reality is, dogs do bite. It’s a dog’s natural defense and protection mechanism. Knowing this, we all need to be aware and understand how and why dog bites occur and how to prevent them.

In an effort to focus on understanding and avoiding dog bites, May 16-22 has been designated National Dog Bite Prevention Week. During this week, and throughout the year, the Lawrence Humane Society provides programs and talks to all age groups about dog bite prevention and safety with animals. Please e-mail or call us at 785-843-6835 if you’d like to schedule a talk for your group.

Did You Know?

The highest rate of dog bites is among children because, unfortunately, children are always more susceptible to dangers. The following general tips are important for parents and children to know:

  • Children should not approach, touch, or play with any dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
  • Children should not pet unfamiliar dogs without first asking permission from the dog’s guardian. If the guardian says it is okay, the child should begin by letting the dog sniff his or her closed hand.
  • If a child sees a dog off-leash, he or she should tell an adult immediately.
  • If a loose dog comes near a child, he or she should not run or scream. Instead, avoid eye contact with the animal and stand very still, "like a tree," until the animal moves away.

In an effort to further educate adults and children about basic safety around dogs, many national humane organizations offer booklets and other materials. For example, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) provides materials such as Avoiding Dog Bites, Questions and Answers about Dog Bites, and Teaching Your Child to Avoid Dog Bites.

To view or download materials regarding children and dogs, you may go to Education on our site and to the following Web addresses from the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and HSUS, which provide very valuable information about avoiding dog bites and acting safely around dogs:

ASPCA: National Dog Bite Prevention Week information

ASPCA: Dog bite prevention facts and figures
(includes children's activity sheet download)

HSUS: Resources for children to help reduce dog bite injuries
(includes children's coloring page)

Please e-mail us or call the shelter at 785-843-6835 if you have questions.