Building Safe Communities E Book Web4

8/13/2019 Building Safe Communities E Book Web4

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BUILDING SAFE COMMUNITIES

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A N I MA L FARMFOUNDATION, INC.

SINCE 1985

ANIMAL FARM FOUNDATION

Success Through Responsible Pet Ownership Laws


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www.animalfarmfoundation.org

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Safe communities are created and supported when

dogs are treated as individuals and pet owners are

empowered to be responsible. Breed neutral, non-

discriminatory laws and a proactive community approach

can make a substantial impact in public safety.

Humane communities are safer communities for people

and pets!

For more information on supporting pet owners in yourcommunity, please see our booklet: Community Pet

Days.

For more information, please visit our website:

www.animalfarmfoundation.org

or contact us at: [email protected]

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A NI MA L FARMFOUNDATION, INC.

SINCE 1985

Humane communities are safer communities

for people and pets.

CONTENTS

Community Spay/Neuter

Partnerships:

Cooperation, Education, and Accessible, Affordable Services

NOT Mandates

Animal Services and

the Responsible Pet Ownership

Community Model

by Bill Bruce, Director of Calgary Animal Services and

By-Law Services

A Community Model

for Responsible Pet Ownership

from the National Canine Research Council

Community Approach to

Dog Bite Prevention

from the American Veterinary Medical Association Task Force

on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions

Resident Dog vs. Family Dog:

What is the Difference


What is a dog bite?


Out of the Past

from HSUS Animal Sheltering Magazine


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Mandatory spay/neuter laws divide the community andbreak the human-animal bond:

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Animal Services and the

Responsible Pet Ownership Model

In North America, the vast majority of animals that ll our shelters or end up on our streets

have arrived at that situation because a human relationship has failed them. The solution

lies in responsible pet ownership and responsive animal services not animal control and

not building more shelters to ll.

Responsible Pet Ownership is a model that focuses on changing the behaviour of pet own-

ers from problematic to acceptable. A positive change in human behaviour will always yield

a positive change in animal behaviour. The foundation of any successful program starts with

collaboration between all agencies involved with animals and a common understanding of

the communitys acceptable standards. With this knowledge, we can create programs and

self-sustaining services that foster responsible pet ownership through education and recog-

nizing the benets of compliance, rather than relying solely on compulsion. Certain tradi-

tional approaches only create barriers to responsible pet ownership. We must identify what

the components of responsible pet ownership should be. For my community, responsible

pet ownership can be summarized in four points:

Provide a license and permanent identication

Spay and neuter your pet

Provide the proper medical care, socialization,

training, diet and exercise

Dont allow your pet to become a threat or

nuisance in the community.

Think about it - if all pet owners in your community did these simple things, which are within

everyones capability, you could solve most of the communitys animal issues. Licensing

and identication quickly reunite lost pets with their families; spay and neuter initiatives

reduce unwanted litters humanely; proper training and care produces safe, healthy animals;

and proper management prevents pets from becoming a threat or nuisance, and reduces

community complaints about animals.

A fth component completes the responsible pet ownership community: responsible pro-

curement of pets. When a family is adding a new pet, we always want them to ask where

the animal came from and under what conditions it was produced. They should select their

pets from ethical breeders, shelters or rescues when making this choice. In the animal ser-

vices world, no ofcer ever gets called out to a property because the neighbours pets are

too good, never bark or howl, never threaten or bite and are well cared for. Our goal is to

build communities where this is the standard for our communities and for our pets.

www.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com

Bill BruceDirector of Calgary Animal Services and By-Law ServicesAdvisor to NCRC


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A Community Model for Responsible pet ownership:

Calgary, Alberta


BillBruce

DirectorofAnimal&BylawServices(2000-2012),Calgary,Alberta,Can-ada.NCRCAdvisor

TheCityofCalgaryenacteditsResponsiblePetOwnershipBylawin2006,basedonfiveprinci-

plesthatenablecats,dogs,theirowners,andneighborstolivetogetherinsafetyandharmony.

1,

2

1.Licenseandprovidepermanentidentificationforyourpets.

2.Spayorneuteryourpets.

3.Providetraining,socialization,properdiet,andmedicalcareforyourpets.

4.Donotallowyourpetstobecomeathreatornuisanceinthecommunity.

5.Procureyourpetethicallyandfromacrediblesource.

Thefifthprinciplecompletestheresponsiblepetownershipcommunity:responsibleprocurement

ofpets.Whenafamilyaddsanewpet,CalgaryAnimalServiceswantsthemtoaskwheretheani-

malcamefromandunderwhatconditionsitwasproduced.3

EDUCATION

Calgaryhasachievedanunparalleledlevelofcompliancewithitseasy-tounderstandbylaw,

througheducationthatclarifiestheresponsibilityofallpetowners,programsthatfacilitatepet

ownercompliance,andrigorousenforcementagainstviolators.Evenbeforetheenactmentofits

ResponsiblePetOwnershipBylaw,theCityofCalgaryAnimal&BylawServiceswascreatingand

presentingcurriculum-basedschoolprogramsforstudentsingradesK-8.AnimalServiceseduca-

tionalprogramsareavailableatnocosttoschools.Eachyear,itsthreecertifiedteachersoffer

hundredsofpresentationstothousandsofCalgarystudents. 4Tofurtherenableresponsiblepet

ownershipandfacilitatecompliance,theCity alsoprovidesbylaweducationprogramsforadults

andESLlearners.

Thewholemodelisaboutresponsiblepet

ownership...InNorthAmerica,wedont

reallyhaveananimalproblem:wevegota

peopleproblem.Ithinkthatsthefirst

realizationyouvegottocometo.

Itsnotabouttheanimal,itsaboutthe

people.


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Wheneducationdoesnotproducetheintendedoutcome,theBylawisrigorouslyenforced.

CALGARYANIMALSERVICESRECORDOFSUCCESS

2011Results5,6

Fundedentirelybyanimal-relatedrevenues,primarilylicensing.Itreceivesnotaxrevenue.

Over111,000dogslicensed,outofatotalestimatedcaninepopulationof122,325. 90%(estimated)licensurecomplianceratefordogs. 7

4,576dogsimpoundedanda95%livereleaserate:

87%returnedtotheirowners;

8%adoptedtonewowners;

5%euthanized.

Only123reporteddogbites. 8

Calgarysexceptionalrecordshowsthatwhenacommunity

adoptsresponsiblepetownershipstandards, educatesitscitizensonthebenefitsofthosestandards,

facilitatescompliancewiththem,and

enforcesagainstthefewwhowillrefusetocomply,

citizenscanthenenjoythecompanionshipoftheirdogs,regardlessofbreedortype.

Aresponsiblepetownershipmodelenhancescommunitysafetyandpreservesthehuman-canine

bond.

TheNationalCanineResearchCouncilhopesthatallcommunitieswillimplementtheirownre-

sponsiblepetownershipmodels.

Updated11February2013


2


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SOURCESandNOTES:

1.CityofCalgary,Alberta,Canada.(2012).[OfficialWebsite].Retrievedfrom:http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/

ABS/Pages/home.aspx

2.BylawNumber23M2006:BeingaBylawoftheCityofCalgaryRespectingtheRegulation,Licensing,and

ControlofAnimalsintheCityofCalgary.(2006).Retrievedfrom:http://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/

Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/23M2006-ResponsiblePetOwnership.pdf

3.SeealsoBillBrucesViewpoint,AnimalServicesandtheResponsiblePetOwnershipModel,accessible

viatheNCRCwebsiteatwww.nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com.

4.CityofCalgary,Alberta,Canada.(2010).[EducationalPrograms].Retrievedfrom:http://www.calgary.ca/

CSPS/ABS/Pages/School-and-educational-programs/School-educational-programs.aspx

5.CityofCalgaryCommunityServices&ProtectiveServices.(2012).Animal&BylawServices:AnnualRe-

port2011.[PublicDocument].Retrievedfrom:http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Documents/ABS-2011-

Annual-Report.pdf

6.CityofCalgary,Alberta,Canada.(2010).[GraphillustrationofAnimalRelatedStatisticsfrom1985-2010].Retrievedfrom:www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/Animal-statistics.aspx

7.In2011,theCityofCalgaryreportedatotalhumanpopulationof1,096,833.TheCityofCalgarysCen-

susperiodicallyreportsthetotaldogandcatpopulation-mostrecentlyin2010.Thisinformationappears

ontheScheduleofAdditionalQuestionstoBaseCensuslocatedattheendofthecensus.Itisnotlikely

thatthedogpopulationincreasedsignificantlybetween2010-2012.Inordertocalculatetherateofcompli-

anceasapercentage(notincludedinCalgarys2011AnnualReport),the2010totalcaninepopulation

(122,325)wasusedhere.Calgaryreportedover111,000dogslicensedinits2011AnnualReport.

8.Bruce,Bill.(3September2012).[PersonalCorrespondence].


3
http://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/23M2006-ResponsiblePetOwnership.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/23M2006-ResponsiblePetOwnership.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/23M2006-ResponsiblePetOwnership.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/School-and-educational-programs/School-educational-programs.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/School-and-educational-programs/School-educational-programs.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/School-and-educational-programs/School-educational-programs.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Documents/ABS-2011-Annual-Report.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Documents/ABS-2011-Annual-Report.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Documents/ABS-2011-Annual-Report.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/Animal-statistics.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/Animal-statistics.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/Animal-Services/Animal-statistics.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Documents/ABS-2011-Annual-Report.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Documents/ABS-2011-Annual-Report.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/School-and-educational-programs/School-educational-programs.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/ABS/Pages/School-and-educational-programs/School-educational-programs.aspxhttp://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/23M2006-ResponsiblePetOwnership.pdfhttp://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/23M2006-ResponsiblePetOwnership.pdf


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1732 Vet M ed Today: Canine Aggression Task Force JAVM A , Vol 218, No. 11, June 1, 2001

A comm uni ty approach t o dog b i t e prevent ion

Table of Contents

Introduction and problem statement. . . . . . 1733Scope of the problemWhich dogs bite?Dog bite costs to a communityThis program

Multidisciplinary and multiprofessionalgroups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1734Identify dog bite issues in the community

Identify potential partners, all ies, support, andfunding sources

Develop an advisory council

Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1735Program coordinatorAnimal control agenciesPreventive measuresAfter a bite occurs

Bite data reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1738What should be reported?Who should report?Who should receive reports?

Data management, analysis, interpretation,and dissemination

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1739Public officials and community leadersProfessionalsPublic

Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1743Know the mediaA spokespersonHave information readily availableWays to effectively convey information

References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1745

Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17461. Groups potentiall y involved in dog bite

prevention2. Model dog and cat control ordinance3. Recommended data elements for reports of

dog bites4. Model legislation for the identi fication and

regulation of dangerous dogs5. Suggested reading for professionals

MEMBERS OF THETASKFORCEBonnie V. Beaver, DVM, MS, DACVB (Chair), Department of

Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, Texas A& M University,College Station, TX 77843-4474, representing the AVMAExecutive Board.

M. Douglas Baker, MD, FAAP, Pediatri c Emergency Department,Room WP143, Yale-New Haven Childrens Hospital, 20 YorkSt, New Haven, CT 06504, representing the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics.

Robert C. Gloster, MD, FACEP, Swedish Hospital MedicalCenter, PO Box 14999, Seattle, WA 98114, representing theAmerican College of Emergency Physicians.

William A. Grant, DVM, Community Veterinary Hospital,13200 Euclid St, Garden Grove, CA 92843, representing theProfessional Liability Insurance Trust.

James M. Harris, DVM, Montclair Veterinary Clinic andHospital, 1961 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94611, repre-senting the AVMA Committee on the Human-Animal Bond.

Benjamin L. Hart, DVM, PhD, DACVB, Department of Anatomy,Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine,University of California, Davis, CA 95616, representing theAmerican College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Danny H. Hattaway, BS, Underwriting Consultant, State FarmInsurance, 1 State Farm Plaza, D-1, Bloomington, IL 61701,representing the insurance industry.

Thomas Houston, MD, Director, Science and Public HealthAdvocacy Programs, American Medical Association, 515 NState St, Chicago, IL 60610, representing the American

Medical Association.James R. Koschmann, DVM, MS, Crossroads Animal Hospital,4910 Crossroads Dr, El Paso, TX 79922, representing theAVMA Animal Welfare Committee.

Randall Lockwood, PhD, Vice President/Research andEducational Outreach, Humane Society of the United States,2100 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037, representing humaneorganizations.

Don Rieck, BS, Chief Animal Control Officer, HealthDepartment, City of Sioux Falls, 132 North Dakota Ave,Sioux Falls, SD 57104, representing the National AnimalControl Association.

Jeffrey J. Sacks, MD, MPH, Medical Epidemiologist, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE(Mailstop K-45), Atlanta, GA 30341, representing theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.

William S. Strauss, JD, 235A Windsor Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11215,representing the legal profession.

Jan Strother, DVM, 809 Hwy 36 E, Hartselle, AL 35640, repre-senting the AVMA Council on Public Relations.

STAFF SUPPORTGail C. Golab, PhD, DVM, Division of Education and Research,

American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 N MeachamRd, Ste 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, staff consultant.

Julie Horvath, BS, Division of Education and Research,American Veterinary Medical Association, 1931 N MeachamRd, Ste 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, staff assistant.

American Veterinary Medical Association

Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions


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JAVM A, Vol 218, No. 11, June 1, 2001 Vet M ed Today: Canine Aggression Task Force 1733

In t roduct ion and Problem StatementDog bites are a serious public health problem that

inflicts considerable physical and emotional damageon victims and incurs immeasurable hidden costs tocommunities. Bites have been tolerated as a job-relatedhazard for utility and postal workers, but for manycommunities the problem may be more encompassing.Following a severe attack, there is usually an outcry to

do something, and the something that is done oftenreflects a knee-jerk response. Only later do officialsrealize that the response was not effective and, in fact,may have been divisive for the community. To assistcommunities in avoiding such ineffective responses,the AVMA convened a Task Force on CanineAggression and Human-Canine Interactions. Althoughthe number of injuries will never be reduced to zero,Task Force members believe a well-planned proactivecommunity approach can make a substantial impact.The information contained in thi s report is intended tohelp leaders find effective ways to address their com-munitys dog bite concerns.a

Scope of the problem

Dogs have shared their lives with humans for morethan 12,000 years,1 and that coexistence has con-tributed substantially to humans quality of life. In theUnited States, there are slightly more than 53 milliondogs sharing the human-canine bond,2,3 more dogs percapita than in any other country in the world.1

Unfortunately, a few dogs do not live up to their imageas mankinds best friend, and an estimated 4.5 millionpeople are bitten each year,4,5 although the actual num-ber injured is unknown.6 Approximately 334,000 peo-ple are admitted to US emergency departments annual-ly with dog bite-associated injuries, and another466,000 are seen in other medical settings.6 Anunknown number of other people who have been bit-ten do not sustain injuries deemed serious enough torequire medical attention. Still another group of indi-viduals is not represented by these data, those thatincur injuries secondary to a bite or attempted bite. Forexample, a jogger may trip and break an arm whilefleeing from a threatening dog.

Of concern too are the demographics of typicaldog bite victims. Almost half are children younger than12 years old.6-8 People more than 70 years old comprise10% of those bitten and 20% of those killed.9,10

Direct costs of dog bite injuries are high. Theinsurance industry estimates it pays more than $1 bil-lion/y in homeowners liability claims resulting fromdog bites.11 Hospital expenses for dog bite-relatedemergency visits are estimated at $102.4 million.6

There are also medical insurance claims, workmenscompensation claims, lost wages, and sick leave-asso-ciated business costs that have not been calculated.

Which dogs bite?An often-asked question is what breed or breeds of

dogs are most dangerous? This inqui ry can beprompted by a serious attack by a specific dog, or itmay be the result of media-driven portrayals of a spe-cific breed as dangerous. 12,13 Although this is a com-mon concern, singli ng out 1 or 2 breeds for control can

result in a false sense of accomplishment.14 Doing soignores the true scope of the problem and will notresult in a responsible approach to protecting a com-munitys citizens.

Dog bite statistics are not really statistics, and theydo not give an accurate picture of dogs that bite.7

Invariably the numbers wil l show that dogs from pop-ular large breeds are a problem. This should be expect-

ed, because big dogs can physically do more damage ifthey do bite, and any popular breed has more individ-uals that could bite. Dogs from small breeds also biteand are capable of causing severe injury. There are sev-eral reasons why it is not possible to calculate a biterate for a breed or to compare rates between breeds.First, the breed of the biting dog may not be accurate-ly recorded, and mixed-breed dogs are commonlydescribed as if they were purebreds. Second, the actualnumber of bites that occur in a community is notknown, especially if they did not result in seriousinjury. Third, the number of dogs of a particular breedor combination of breeds in a community is notknown, because it is rare for all dogs in a communityto be licensed, and existing licensing data is then

incomplete.7 Breed data likely vary between communi-ties, states, or regions, and can even vary betweenneighborhoods within a community.

Wolf hybrids are just that: hybrids between wildand domestic canids. Their behavior is unpredictablebecause of this hybridization, and they are usuallytreated as wild animals by local or state statutes. Wolfhybrids are not addressed by this program.

Sex differences do emerge from data on varioustypes of aggression. Intact (unneutered) male dogs rep-resented 80% of dogs presented to veterinary behavior-ists for dominance aggression, the most commonlydiagnosed type of aggression.1 Intact males are alsoinvolved in 70 to 76% of reported dog bite incidents.7,15

The sex distribution of dogs inflicting unreported bitesis not known. Unspayed females that are not part of acarefully planned breeding program may attract free-roaming males, which increases bite risk to peoplethrough increased exposure to unfamiliar dogs. Damsare protective of their puppies and may bite those whotry to handle the young. Unspayed females may alsocontribute to the population of unwanted dogs that areoften acquired by people who do not understand thelong-term commitment they have undertaken, that aresurrendered to animal shelters where many aredestroyed, or that are turned loose under the miscon-ception that they can successfully fend for themselves.16

Dog bite costs to a community

Costs associated with dog bite injuries cannot bereadily measured, because so many intangible qualityof life issues are involved. This makes it more difficultfor community councils to justify the time, effort, andexpense necessary to institute a bite reduction programwhen compared to a new fire truck, street paving, orcity park. Intangible costs include time spent by vol-unteer and paid community officials on animal-relatedissues, deterioration of relationships between neigh-bors, building appropriate medical support, citizensconcerns about neighborhood safety for children,


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homeowners insurance costs within the community,and animal shelter support for unwanted pets. Theseare quality of life issues that ultimately determine thedesirability of a community to its citizens and that canmotivate proactive community officials to institute aprevention program.

This program

Reducing the incidence of dog bites requires activecommunity involvement; passive attention or a tokencommitment is not sufficient. By actively focusing ondog bite prevention, the State of Nevada was able toreduce the incidence of bites by approximately 15%.b

Members of the Task Force represented a broad rangeof disciplines and designed the program presentedhere. It was recognized that the community approachmust be multidisciplinary and that different communi-ties will have different needs based on their level ofcommitment, preexisting programs, and availableresources. Although the best results will be obtained byadopting the entire prevention program, the program isdesigned so that it may be adopted as a whole or inpart. Either way, the goal remains to reduce the inci-

dence of dog bites within communities and improvequali ty of l ife for their citizens.

Mult id isc ip l inary andMult iprofessional Groups

It is unlikely that a dog bite prevention programwill begin in a complete vacuum. Typically, some for-mal program is already in place under the auspices ofanimal control, the health department, or local lawenforcement. Efforts may also be under way by othergroups such as educators or dog breeders. It makessense to identify related activities to determine whatneeds are not being met, find likely sources of supportor resistance, and avoid duplication of effort andpotential turf battles (Appendix 1).c

Identify dog bite issues in the communityEach community has a unique set of dog bite-relat-

ed problems and its own approaches to confrontingthem. A central task is to identify these particularissues. The project begins by assessing the politicallandscape regarding dog bites and dog bite prevention.Before launching a program, it is useful to pinpoint thedegree of current and potential support among corpo-rate and community leaders as well as legislators andsenior staff in the dog bite prevention programs spon-soring agency.

Recognize hot buttonsCrafting a program is eas-ier if the objectives mesh with a highly visible commu-nity issue. For example, there may be public outcryabout dog waste or a publicized dog attack. Such a sit-uation may provide impetus for a campaign to supportlicensing and leash laws or ordinances pertaining toreporting dog bites. When community groups and themedia have already invested in finding a solution to thedog bite problem, program organizers can dovetail theirefforts and work collaboratively with these groups.

Community interestKnowing the degree of sup-port that exists for a prevention program is important.

The prior existence of a program suggests support, butthis may not always be the case. The active support ofa commissioner or health department head (local orstate) is critical, because without his/her backing, afledgling dog bite prevention program is vulnerable toshifting funding initiatives and political pressure.Public officials are influenced by vocal well-organizedconstituencies, so it is important to know what dog

bite-related agendas are getting politicians attention. Italso helps to know whether any legislators have astrong interest in the dog bite issue.

Dogs in the newsNews accounts can provideclues as to how dog-related issues have played out overtime. Compare these accounts with available statisticaldata and scientific assessments for reliability.

Identify potential partners, allies, support, and fund-ing sources

Determine which organizations in the communityare likely to support program efforts or resist them.Some individuals and organizations will emerge as nat-ural allies; some old hands will be glad to work with a

new partner in the dog bite prevention field, and somewill actively welcome a new focal point for dog biteprevention activity. Learning about various entities andtheir interest and involvement in dog bite control canhelp answer questions in the following areas.

Community resourcesOrganizations, agencies,businesses, and individuals offering training, assis-tance, consulting, library or computer search capabili-ties, in-kind contributions, volunteer help, or supple-mental funding must be identified.

Currently available dataBefore launching amajor effort to collect dog bite data, it is wise to deter-mine whether an assessment has already been done.Ask about reports related to injuries and costs from

dog bites, surveys that include dog bite or dog owner-ship information, opinion surveys or other studiesdescribing community perceptions about the need fordog bite prevention, and similar information. If possi-ble, find out what happened to existing assessmentsand related recommendations. Knowing the history ofprevious evaluation and prevention efforts will help indevelopment of a new program. If an assessment hasbeen done, determine whether methods and conclu-sions are sound.

LegislationIt is important to know what inter-ventions (eg, leash laws, dangerous dog ordinances)have been previously introduced and their history ofsuccess. Individuals involved in these efforts may bevaluable allies in new programs. In addition, currentordinances should be evaluated to determine whetherenforcement or revision could increase their effective-ness.

BarriersOwnership of particular dog bite issuesand potential turf battles should be confronted realisti-cally. In addition, it must be acknowledged that a dogbite prevention program may attract opposition fromgroups on philosophical grounds (eg, groups thatstrongly support personal freedom argue that the gov-


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ernment should not mandate licensing of dogs). Clubsfor specific breeds may not be supportive if they feartheir breed will be singled out in a negative way.Barriers can be overcome by a fresh approach to oldproblems or by agreeing to carve out areas of responsi-bility among interested groups. Typically, there aremany more problems than there are organizations totackle them, so it makes sense to avoid attacking simi-

lar issues.Develop an advisory council

Obtaining community input can be as sophisticat-ed as conducting public opinion surveys or holdingfocus groups to learn about what the community seesas pressing dog bite issues. More likely, there will belimited funds at the outset of the program, so moreinformal but also potentially valuable approaches maybe required. These include meetings with potentialpartners and interested groups to learn about theirconstituencies concerns. This type of informal inter-view can be a great help i n uncovering key dog-relatedissues as perceived by the community. Talking withpeople in neighborhoods most affected by dog bite

problems is important. For example, if there is a prob-lem with dog bites in low-income neighborhoods,obtaining the views of people living there can helpidentify the nature of the problem and potential solu-tions.

An advisory council or task force that represents awide spectrum of community concerns and perspec-tives creates a source of support for program initiatives.Advisory groups provide guidance for a dog bite pre-vention program and may focus on specific high-prior-ity dog bite issues. Although organizing and maintain-ing an advisory council is labor-intensive, it can sub-stantially benefi t the program. Members may be able toprovide access to useful information that is not other-wise easy for the coordinator to obtain. Members canalso identify ways in which the program can work withappropriate voluntary organizations and associations.People with experience in dog bite control can offerperspective about the program and help identify poten-tial pitfalls as well as successful strategies. Part icipationby members representing community organizationsbuilds a sense of ownership in the dog bite preventionprogram.

Logistics in starting an advisory council includeidentifying organizations and individuals that shouldparticipate (Appendix 1), determining the size of thecouncil, establishing a structure and operating proce-dures for the council and its regular meetings, assign-ing staff support, determining the relationship between

the staff and the council, and reaching an agreementabout key tasks. When community members and gov-ernment officials work together to support the creationand development of a local task force, it enhances thegroups visibil ity and impact.

To foster an involved and active advisory council,professionals agree that several criteria must be met.The number of participants should be kept manage-able; 10 to 12 is a size that works well. If i t i s necessaryto have more members for political reasons, breakingthe group into smaller committees or working groups

will improve the dynamics. For example, groups couldcoalesce around data issues, legislation and policy, andso on. Involving participants from the start in mean-ingful tasks will underscore that this is a productivegroup. In addit ion, people are more likely to support aprogram they participated in creating, because theyhave a sense of ownership.

Because each communitys needs and priorities dif-

fer, the advisory councils major tasks will vary. Theadvisory council or one of its working groups may con-sider the following activities:? coordinating efforts among participating organiza-

tions? developing an action plan? establi shing dog bite prevention priorities? generating public and legislative support for dog

bite control? identi fying dog bite reporting sources? interpreting data? identifying and obtaining resources for program

activi ties (educational, financial, staffing)? providing technical expertise for the program? recommending goals and objectives for prevention

It is recommended that the program be overseenby a paid coordinator. The program coordinator andother staff involved can contribute to the advisorycouncils success by good meeting planning and prepa-ration, regular communication with members, workingwith the advisory council chairperson to set the agen-da, and helping to solve problems that threaten toderail the process. As with any volunteer effort, a dogbite prevention advisory council is likely to thrive ifthe coordinator nurtures its members with regularexpressions of appreciation.

In f rast ructure

A coordinated effort is essential for success in anyventure, and each individual or organization involvedmust have a clear sense of their/its responsibilities.Reducing the incidence of dog bites requires the coop-eration of many groups, including animal control agen-cies, the human and veterinary medical communities,educators, departments of health, and the local licens-ing authority. Open and consistent communication isan integral part of an effective program, and one entityshould be designated as the coordinating agency. A log-ical coordinating agency would be the health depart-ment or animal control. In addition, it is imperativethat an appropriate agency be granted authority toconduct investigations and make recommendations.

Program coordinatorAs previously mentioned, dog bite prevention

efforts should be assisted by a paid staff person. Becausethe diversity of input is so great, i t i s recommended thatthe office of the advisory councils program coordinatorbe located within the municipalitys coordinatingagency. Individuals, agencies, or organizations thatcome into contact with or are aware of a dangerousdog or risky situation should provide this informationto the coordinator. The coordinator should then relayall information to the proper recipients.



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Animal control agenciesAnimal control officers are the frontline in con-

trolling animal bites. A well-resourced animal controlagency is vital for public health and safety within anycommunity. In some communities, animal control is astand-alone agency. In others it is administeredthrough the local city or county health director or is asubsidiary of the local police department or sheriffs

office. Wherever located, the functions of animal con-trol within communities are mult iple, including:? training of animal control officers and ancillary

personnel? licensing of dogs and cats? enforcement of leash laws, ordinances, regula-

tions, and statutes? control of unrestrained and free-roaming animal

populations? investigation of animal bite-related incidents? administration of rabies quarantine programs after

an animal bites? bite data management, analysis, and dissemination

regulation of dangerous animals? educational outreach within the community

regarding responsible ownership, spay/neuter pro-grams, control of dangerous animals, rabies vac-cinations

? coordination of efforts

Larger communities often possess more resourcesto properly fund animal control agencies and provideadequate staff17 and training; however, smaller animalcontrol programs can also be effective, even when theyoperate on a limited budget. Dedicated personnel canaccomplish much if they have community support,including support from law enforcement and the judi-ciary.

Preventive measuresPreventive measures are designed to minimize risk

and should be addressed by all communities.

Control of unrestrained and free-roaming ani-malsReasonable and enforceable laws or ordinancesare required for good control of unrestrained or free-roaming animals (Appendix 2).18 Laws written toensure that owned animals are confined to their prop-erty or kept on a leash make freeing a community ofunrestrained and free-roaming animals easier. Althoughmost dog bites occur on the property where the doglives, unrestrained or free-roaming dogs do pose a sub-stantial threat to the public. Enforcement of restraintlaws is, therefore, essential if the incidence of dog bitesis to be reduced. It is important to protect animal own-ers by providing an adequate amount of time for themto claim animals that have been impounded. Because ofeconomic constraints, the current standard in theindustry is 3 working days; however, 5 days may bemore reasonable to ensure successful owner-animalreunions. Control of unrestrained and free-roaming ani-mal populations requires an adequately staffed, trained,and funded animal control agency.

Licensing of dogsThe primary benefit of licens-ing animals is identification, should that animal

become lost. Licensing also ensures rabies vaccinationsare current, allows quick identi fication in case of a biteincident, and provides revenue to help offset the costsof administering the animal control program. An effec-tive program can be a source of reliable demographicdata as well.

VaccinationsRabies vaccinations are normally aprerequisite for licensing dogs and cats, because they

are an important control measure for a major publichealth concern. In addition to protecting pets, rabiesvaccinations provide a barrier between infected wildanimals and humans. Vaccination has reduced con-firmed cases of rabies in dogs from 6,949 in 1947 to126 in 1997.19

Breed or type bansConcerns about dangerousdogs have caused many local governments to considersupplementing existing animal control laws with ordi-nances directed toward control of specific breeds ortypes of dogs. Members of the Task Force believe suchordinances are inappropriate and ineffective.

Statistics on fatalities and injuries caused by dogscannot be responsibly used to document the danger-

ousness of a particular breed, relative to other breeds,for several reasons. First, a dogs tendency to bitedepends on at least 5 interacting factors: heredity, earlyexperience, later socialization and training, health(medical and behavioral), and victim behavior.7

Second, there is no reliable way to identify the numberof dogs of a particular breed in the canine populationat any given time (eg, 10 attacks by DobermanPinschers relative to a total population of 10 dogsimplies a different risk than 10 attacks by LabradorRetrievers relative to a population of 1,000 dogs).Third, statistics may be skewed, because often they donot consider multiple incidents caused by a single ani-mal. Fourth, breed is often identified by individuals

who are not familiar with breed characteristics andwho commonly identify dogs of mixed ancestry as ifthey were purebreds. Fifth, the popularity of breedschanges over time, making comparison of breed-spe-cific bite rates unreliable.

Breed-specific ordinances imply that there is anobjective method of determining the breed of a partic-ular dog, when in fact, there is not at this time. Ownersof mixed-breed dogs or dogs that have not been regis-tered with a national kennel club have no way ofknowing whether their dog is one of the types identi-fied and whether they are required to comply with abreed-specific ordinance. In addition, law enforcementpersonnel typically have no scientific means for deter-mining a dogs breed that can withstand the rigors of

legal challenge, nor do they have a foolproof methodfor deciding whether owners are in compliance or inviolation of laws. Such laws assume that all dogs of acertain breed are likely to bite, instead of acknowledg-ing that most dogs are not a problem. These laws oftenfail to take normal dog behavior into account and maynot assign appropriate responsibilities to owners.

Some municipalities have attempted to addressnotice and enforcement problems created by unregis-tered and mixed-breed dogs by including in the ordi-nance a description of the breed at which the ordi-


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nance is directed. Unfortunately, such descriptions areusually vague, rely on subjective visual observation,and result in many more dogs than those of the intend-ed breed being subject to the restrictions of the ordi-nance.

Animal control legislation has traditionally beenconsidered a constitutionally legitimate exercise oflocal government power to protect public safety and

welfare. Breed-specific ordinances, however, raise con-stitutional questions concerning dog owners four-teenth amendment rights of due process and equal pro-tection.20 When a specific breed of dog is selected forcontrol, 2 constitutional questions are raised: first,because all types of dogs may inflict injury to peopleand property, ordinances addressing only 1 breed ofdog appear to be underinclusive and, therefore, violateowners equal protection rights; and second, becauseidentification of a dogs breed with the certainty neces-sary to impose sanctions on the dogs owner is impos-sible, such ordinances have been considered unconsti-tutionally vague and, therefore, to violate due process.

After a bite occurs

It is important to have a well -defined postbite pro-gram in place to minimize physical and emotional painfor dog bite victims. This allows animal control per-sonnel to work efficiently, protects animals that are vic-tims of false allegations, and provides the judiciarywith reasonable alternatives that address a variety ofsituations. State laws may dictate parts of this process.

Investigation of animal bite-related incidentsAny animal bite or incident must be thoroughly inves-tigated and substantiated by an agent of the empow-ered investigating authority such as an animal controloffi cer, police offi cer, or peace offi cer. Ideally, the inves-tigating authority should be the same authority thatenforces related ordinances or laws to give continuity

and credibility to all investigations. Investigating offi-cers must be given authority to perform their duties bystatute or ordinance. Clear, concise, standardizedinformation concerning the incident must be obtainedto ensure its successful resolution and facilitate long-term data collection (Appendix 3).

Postbite rabies quarantine programsA healthydog that is currently vaccinated against rabies and thatbites a human should be examined by a licensed vet-erinarian to determine its health status. If no signs ofillness compatible with rabies are detected, the dogshould be quarantined. The Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention has set the quarantine periodfor dogs, cats, and ferrets at 10 days, including the day

of the bite. Vaccinated dogs can be allocated to 2 cate-gories: those that have bitten a member of the immedi-ate family and those that have bitten an individual out-side the immediate family. Home quarantine can beconsidered for vaccinated dogs that have bitten a mem-ber of the immediate family, assuming the owner canconfine the dog in a manner that prevents furtherexposure. Vaccinated dogs that have bitten a humanoutside of the immediate family generally should bequarantined at the local shelter or veterinarians office.At the end of the quarantine period, the dog should

undergo a physical examination. In addition, interimevaluations are highly recommended.

A dog that is not currently vaccinated against rabiesand that bites a human should be considered a rabiessuspect and be appropriately quarantined. Contact withthe dog during the quarantine period should be strictlylimited to individuals who have completed rabies pro-phylaxis and are up-to-date on serologic testing and

booster vaccinations. Physical examinations should beconducted at the beginning and end of the quarantineperiod to determine the dogs health status.Quarantined dogs may be treated by a veterinarian, butrabies vaccines should not be administered to the doguntil the quarantine period is complete. If at any timeduring the quarantine period the dog has signs of ill-ness compatible with rabies, it should be humanelyeuthanatized and samples submitted for rabies testing.

Records of all bites must be kept, including infor-mation specifically identifying the dog and owner.These should be crosschecked with each incident forevidence of a chronic problem.

Identification and regulation of dangerous

dogsCertain dogs may be identi fied wi thin a com-muni ty as being dangerous, usually as the result of aserious injury or threat. That classification, because itcarries with it serious implications, should be welldefined by law (Appendix 4). Any such definitionshould include an exclusion for justifiable actions ofdogs. Procedures should be outlined that take intoaccount the potential public health threat, are reason-able to enforce, and convey the seriousness of the situ-ation to the owner. Al though animal control officers ortheir statuary counterparts are responsible for collect-ing information, a judge or justice will hear evidencefrom animal control officers and the dogs owner todetermine whether that dog fits established criteria fordangerousness. In some municipalities, a hearingpanel comprising a cross section of private citizenshears alleged dangerous dog evidence and has beengiven the authority to declare a dog dangerous ifdeemed appropriate. Any declaration by a hearingpanel, judge, or justice is subject to judicial review.

A judge, justice, or hearing panel may promulgateorders directing an animal control officer to seize andhold an alleged dangerous dog pending judicialreview. If a dog is determined to be dangerous by a

judge, justice, or hearing panel, the owner of that dogis usually required to register the dog with the appro-priate health department or animal control facil ity. The

judicial process may also require the owner to fol lowother rigid requirements, including but not limited to

permanent identification of offending dogs, trainingand assessment of dogs and owners, and havingoffending dogs spayed or neutered.

Because the judicial branch is such an integral partof any enforcement action, the judiciary must assistduring formulation of dangerous dog laws. If the

judiciary is involved, its members will be aware of theprocess that must be followed to declare a dog dan-gerous. In addition, they will be aware of steps thathave already been completed and the options availablewhen a particular case reaches the courts.



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Bite Data Report i ngAccurate and complete reporting of dog bites is an

essential element of a bite prevention program. Thesereports are vital not only for case management and

judicial review but for planning, implementing, andevaluating the status of the problem. Major goals ofcomprehensive dog bite data reporting include:? accurately defining victim demographics to identi -

fy populations at greatest risk for bites and allowtargeting of educational efforts? defining dog and owner characteristics associated

with higher risk so that an actuarial approach tothe dog bite problem is possible (this facilitateseffective program planning and proper targeting ofcontrol measures)

? defining high risk geographic areas at city, county,or neighborhood levels so that limited resourcesfor animal control and public education can beappropriately deployed

? establishing baseline data so that the impact ofspecific elements of the bite prevention programcan be assessed

? providing an accurate, detailed, unbiased, objec-

tive source of information for decision makers,media, and the public interested in the dog biteproblem and its prevention

? providing critical information for proper manage-ment of dog bite cases

What should be reported?At a minimum, a dog bite case should be defined

as any medically-attended dog bite or any dog biteresulting in a report to an animal control or lawenforcement agency. This would presumably coverthose instances consuming public resources and wouldalso include cases that may result in litigation.

A number of data elements should be captured ona report form such that it is comprehensive in scopewithout placing unnecessary burdens on reportingagencies (Appendix 3). Fatal and severe dog attacks onhumans have been associated with prior or concurrentattacks on pets or livestock, so it is important thatcommunities also track those incidents. Maintainingrecords of incidents of menacing behaviors of owneddogs running at large in the community may be founduseful in later legal actions.

Who should report?The goal is to report any medically treated dog

bite or any bite resulting in a report to, or responsefrom, an animal control agency, humane society withanimal control responsibilities, or law enforcement

agency. Therefore, the primary sources of data shouldbe:? animal control or law enforcement agencies

responding to a dog bite complaint? health professionals attending to a bite injury

(hospital emergency staff, urgent care facility staff,private physicians, school or camp medical staff,medical staff of other entities such as militarybases or reservations, and veterinarians)

Recognizing that many dog bites go unreported, acomprehensive program to assess dog bite incidence

should consider possible secondary sources of data.These may include:? anonymous surveys of high-risk populations (eg,

school-age children) that may clarify the trueextent of risk in a community

? anonymous surveys of the public (eg, phone sur-veys) that can help document the extent of biteinjuries and provide a basis for estimating the ratio

of unreported to reported bites? reports from professionals including veterinarians,animal behaviorists, dog trainers, groomers, andkennel operators who are informed of a bite incident(mandating that any or all of these professions reportbites may be unrealistic given the potential legalconsequences of identifying an animal as a biter)

Reporting mandates are often inconsistentbetween jurisdictions or are poorly enforced. Currentlocal and state reporting regulations should bereviewed, as should directives from health or veteri-nary offi cials. If current provisions are adequate, it maybe necessary to implement procedures to reeducateprofessionals concerning their reporting obligations

and periodically remind them of these obligations.When a failure to report is uncovered, it may be anopportunity to gain the attention of the professional,because sanctions may be imposed.

Who should receive reports?Reporting should be coordinated by one agency.

Logical agencies to coordinate reports include animalcontrol or the public health department. The coordi-nating agency, perhaps through the dog bite preventionprogram coordinator, must assume responsibility formaintaining all information and disseminating thatinformation to other appropriate individuals or agen-cies (eg, veterinarians, physicians, the dog owner, andthose involved in follow-up educational efforts).

To insure consistency and compliance, regulationsor procedures should unambiguously state to whomreports should be submitted and within what timeframe the reports should be submitted.

Data management, analysis, interpretation, and dis-semination

Because multiple sources may report the samecase, procedures should be in place to permit combi-nation of data from multiple sources into a singlereport. Avenues should be developed for electronicsubmission of reports to assist in rapid response, tostreamline reporting to higher levels of government,and to facilitate data analysis. Whereas disposition of

individual incidents is the first goal for reporting, thereis much to be learned from looking at the overall pic-ture. Keeping information in an electronic databasesimpli fies the latter.

Data should be reviewed at regular intervals (noless than yearly) to determine whether the incidenceand severity of dog bites is getting better, worse, orstaying the same. Basic analysis consists of studyingthe characteristics of i ncidents, including:? timeyearly trends, peak months, day of week,

time of day. This can help with scheduling animal



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control services as well as dispatch and responseplanning.

? placelocating every incident on a map with apin. Are there hot spots? This can help target highrisk areas for future control.

? personvictims and animal owners: age, sex,race, size. Can they be targeted for education?

? dogproportion of offenders by sex and breed,

proportion running at large, proportion neutered,proportion with prior reported problems, historyof rabies vaccinations, licensing history. Havethese proportions changed over time?

Successful evaluation and resolution of a commu-nity problem and accurate assimilation, evaluation,and use of quality data requires interactive assessment,feedback, and information exchange. City, county, andstate public health practitioners, epidemiologists, andrepresentatives of public health organizations (eg, theNational Association of State Public HealthVeterinarians, the Council of State and TerritorialEpidemiologists, the Association of State andTerritorial Health Officers, and the National

Association of County and City Health Officials) canprovide communities with considerable expertise inthe acquisition and interpretation of dog bite data.Their participation should be encouraged.

Educat ionEducation is key to reducing dog bites within a

community. The list of those to be educated and thosewho may educate includes everyone who regularlycomes into contact with dog owners and potential vic-tims (eg, veterinarians, veterinary technicians andassistants, animal control officers, animal behaviorists,dog trainers, humane society personnel, physicians,school nurses, public health officials, teachers, andparents).

The purposes of this section are to educate cityofficials and community leaders about the role of vari-ous professionals in an educational program to reducedog bites, provide starting references to ensure a coreof knowledge for those professionals (Appendix 5),and assist in identification of the educational needs ofvarious constituencies within a community.

Public officials and community leadersPublic officials and community leaders are the

people to whom residents look for assistance withsocial problems. Their influence is important and wellrecognized. If a community dog bite prevention pro-gram is to gain public acceptance and be effective,

community leaders must be well-informed about dog-related issues within their community and in general.

ProfessionalsProfessionals from many backgrounds need to be

involved in bite prevention programs. Their expertiseis essential to making realistic decisions about whatshould and can be done to prevent or follow up on dogbite incidents and in recognizing what is normal orabnormal behavior for a dog. Several of these profes-sionals wil l likely be members of the advisory commit-

tee, but all should be encouraged to be a part of a com-munitys efforts to decrease the impact of a dog biteproblem.

Many professions mentioned in this document arescience-based. This means their members are used tomaking decisions on the basis of peer-reviewed data-supported information rather than gut feelings. Thisapproach to decision making results in improved out-

comes. Because the dog bite problem impacts so manydifferent groups, networking between communityleaders and professionals is important. The followingsections describe ways that various professionals andcommunity leaders can work together toward a com-mon goal.

VeterinariansVeterinarians are scientists trainedfor a minimum of 7 to 8 years and then licensed todiagnose and treat animal problems both medical andbehavioral. Although most people think of veterinari-ans as performing animal vaccinations and surgicalneutering, the practice of veterinary medicine includesall subdisciplines typically associated with humanmedicine. The study of animal behavior both normal

and abnormal has become more important within theprofession as animals have become more important totheir owners. Dogs are now four-legged members ofthe family, rather than farm animals that help bringcows into the barn at milk ing time. With this change inthe dogs role have come unrealistic owner expecta-tions about what constitutes normal behavior for adog. Veterinarians can educate dog owners as to whatbehavior is normal, can help dog owners teach theirdogs to respond appropriately in various environmentsand provide referrals to reputable dog trainers, and canassist owners with behavioral problems, includingthose that have a medical basis or are responsive tomedication.

Until recently, animal behavior was not oftentaught in veterinary curricula. Many veterinarians havehad to acquire their knowledge of normal and abnor-mal canine behavior from continuing education pro-grams and professional textbooks. For this reason, dif-ferent veterinarians have different degrees of knowl-edge about behavior. All veterinarians, however, haveaccess to board-certified veterinary behaviorists forhelp with behavioral problems beyond their expertise.

Although the time, physical, and emotionaldemands of veterinary practice can be overwhelmingand leave limited time to devote to a formal communi-ty prevention program, veterinarians can substantiallyimpact prevention efforts through their professionalcontact with prospective and current dog owners. This

contact should begin before the pet is acquired.Providing unbiased information on pet selection canhelp prevent inappropriate owner-dog pairings.Prospective dog owners often make spur-of-the-moment selections that are based on warm-and-fuzzyfeelings and unrealistic expectations. Encouragingprospective dog owners to seek information from theirveterinarian about the characteristics and needs of var-ious types of pets and encouraging future dog ownersto ask for guarantees from puppy providers can mini-mize future problems. When owners take their newly



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acquired dogs to their veterinarian for an initial exam-ination and immunizations, the veterinarian has a sec-ond opportunity to provide these owners with goodmedical, nutritional, and behavioral advice.21 Finally,veterinarians can educate owners during their dogsroutine examinations (asking appropriate questionscan reveal problems an owner may not have recog-nized) or when their dogs are evaluated for specific

problems.Board-certified veterinary behavioristsThe

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB),an American Veterinary Medical Association-recog-nized veterinary specialty organization, certifies gradu-ate veterinarians in the specialty of veterinary behavior.To become certified, a veterinarian must have extensivepostgraduate training, sufficient experience, and pass acredential review and examination set by the ACVB.Diplomates of this organization work with problemanimals by referral from the animals regular veterinar-ian, consult with practitioners on cases, and give con-tinuing education seminars on animal behavior.Although many communities may not have the benefit

of a resident board-certified veterinary behaviorist, vet-erinarians have access to and may consult with theirspecialist colleagues when necessary.

Veterinary techniciansVeterinary techniciansare integral members of the veterinary health care teamwho have been educated in the care and handling ofanimals, basic principles of normal and abnormal lifeprocesses, and routine laboratory and clinical proce-dures. They perform many of the same tasks for veteri-narians that nurses and others perform for physicians.Veterinary technicians are often frontline people whenit comes to educating pet owners, particularly in gen-eral veterinary practices; they greet clients and answerinitial inquiries, clarify instructions, provide clients

with appropriate print, audio, and video educationalmaterial, and answer questions. Certainly, they are animportant part of the educational team when it comesto dog bite prevention.

Like veterinarians, veterinary technicians haveseveral opportunities to educate clients. Veterinariansmay be consulted prior to owners acquiring a new pet,and veterinary technicians can help provide informa-tion on appropriate pet selection. Veterinary techni-cians regularly counsel owners during new puppyappointments, and this is a particularly good opportu-nity to provide owners with information on bite pre-vention, including the importance of socialization andtraining. Routine physical examinations are timeswhen veterinary technicians can reinforce the impor-

tance of these early lessons and training, and they canhelp veterinarians identify potential aggression prob-lems through observation and dialog with owners.Veterinary technicians can also be tapped to educatenonpet-owning children and adults through school orother programs.

Veterinary technology programs do not alwaysoffer curricula in animal behavior and, consequently,many technicians do not have formal training in thisarea when they enter practice. Continuing educationthat includes basic principles of animal behavior is

essential for veterinary technicians, just as it is for theiremployers. Maintaining a clinic reference library ofappropriate print, audio, and video material for rein-forcement and enrichment and for client education isuseful.

Behavioral education for veterinary techniciansrelative to dog bite prevention should include recogni-tion of classic canine behavioral displays and an under-

standing of the basic types of canine aggression andtheir prevention. The aim is to assist technicians inconveying dog bite prevention information to owners.Veterinary technicians must not be placed in the role ofdiagnosing or treating canine aggression.

Animal behavioristsThere are a number of sci-entists with PhD degrees in academic fields related toanimal behavior who can serve as valuable resourcesfor communities attempting to reduce dog biteinjuries. Because of their science-based backgrounds,they can be particularly helpful in setting up protocolsto determine the extent of the problem within a com-munity and whether ongoing programs are having asubstantial impact.

As a note of caution, the terms animal behavioristor animal psychologist are often used by individualswho do not have strong scientific backgrounds butwho want to work with problem dogs. There is nomethod to evaluate the competence of these individu-als, and they may be more harmful than helpful to acommunitys efforts.

Dog trainersThis is a diverse group of individu-als with no uni formly recognized credentialing body ormeasures of competence. Although there are manygood dog trainers, there are also trainers that use inap-propriate methods of behavioral modification that cannegatively affect a dogs behavior, making the dog moredangerous to the owner and the community. It is

important that communities make a concerted effort towork with responsible trainers who interact closelywith veterinarians and PhD-degreed animal behavior-ists. A qualified responsible dog trainer can be a valu-able asset to a community advisory group.

Obedience training by itself does not prevent thedevelopment of behavior problems,22 and animals thatare sent to a training facility may not learn how to obeytheir owners, because the owners do not learn how togive commands. For problem animals, training is onlypart of the solution.

Physicians and nursesWith a dog residing in 1of every 3 US homes and approximately 53 milliondogs in the United States,2,3,6 exposure of the physician

or nurse, their family members, or their patients todogs during the course of daily life is inevitable. Dogshave become important members of many families,and the presence of a pet in the home can affect anindividuals own decisions about care. Most physiciansare familiar with at least 1 example of a person refus-ing hospitalization, because there was no one else inthe home to care for their pet.

Because 334,000 Americans are seen in emergencydepartments for dog bite injuries each year, 466,000are seen in other medical practice settings, and 6,000



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are hospitalized,6 it behooves human healthcareproviders to acquaint themselves with community andpersonal strategies to prevent dog bites. Furthermore,

just as occurrences of infectious diseases such asmeasles are reported to enable investigation of out-breaks and development of control measures to protectthe public, dog bites must be reported so that causeand prevention can be addressed. Communities differ

in their requirements for reporting, and practitionersmust understand what is required in their area.Traditionally, when confronted with patients seek-

ing care for dog bites, physicians and nurses have con-fined their roles to providing medical treatment. Withthe expanding roles of physicians and nurses, however,disease prevention has become an important issue. Inaddition to competently treating dog bites and theircomplications, healthcare providers need to be awareof critical roles they can play in reducing dog biteinjuries.

Advising patients about safe behaviors appearseffective in preventing injury.23-26 Teaching children,parents, and patients who own dogs about properbehavior around dogs and responsible dog ownership

is advisable given the frequency of human-canine con-tact in our society. Physicians can recommend contact-ing a veterinarian for pet selection information andadvice if an individual or family is considering dogownership, and for information about canine behaviorand obedience training if a dog is already part of thefamily. Pediatricians provide age-appropriate injuryprevention counseling during wellness visits.26 Dogbite prevention should be a part of this counseling.Dog safety tips can also be included in packets of mate-rials routinely sent home with new mothers.

When a patient is being treated for a bite, anopportunity exists to prevent future injury by teachingbite-avoidance strategies. Probing into the circum-stances of the current bite may reveal which strategiesshould be emphasized. Taking advantage of teachablemoments should be considered part of curative care.Consulting with a veterinarian may help human healthcare providers identify subjects they can address dur-ing postbite sessions.

As witnesses to the health-related outcomes of dogbites, physicians and nurses are particularly crediblesources of information and can be effective spokesper-sons. Pediatricians and nurses should be full partnersin community efforts to reduce dog bite injuries.

Animal control personnelThe staff of a well -resourced animal control program often includes aneducation coordinator who can train teachers, schoolnurses, and volunteers to become dog bite preventioneducators within the communitys school system (sim-il ar to volunteers in the McGruff crime prevention pro-gram presented to primary-school children). For ani-mal control personnel, job-related continuing educa-tion is important. Programs are available through theNational Animal Control Association.

Humane society/animal shelter/rescue group per-sonnelDog bite injur ies have negative repercussionsfor dogs as well as people, and humane society/animalshelter/rescue group personnel must deal with these

issues. Dogs causing severe injuries may be brought tohumane facilities for rabies quarantine or euthanasia.Dogs that have threatened to bite or that have nippedmay be surrendered to shelters or rescue groups, some-times without full acknowledgment by their owners.16

Shelter personnel are forced to decide which dogs canbe placed in new homes and which are not suitable foradoption. Progressive organizations work with veteri-

narians and animal control officers to educate theirstaff about safe dog handling and objective evaluationtechniques. Record keeping and follow-up studiesexpand their knowledge base about what works intheir community and what does not. Well-trained anddedicated humane society/animal shelter/rescue grouppersonnel can be valuable community resources forpublic education as well.

PublicPublic education is critical to the success of any

dog bite prevention program, because half of all bitesare inflicted by the family dog.27 Only about 10% ofbites are inflicted by dogs unknown to the victim.7,15 Apublic education effort must target a variety of individ-

uals and age groups, and one individual should beassigned to integrate its components. If a special advi-sory council or task force is convened, its paid coordi-nator would be a logical choice to coordinate the pub-li c education effort. Alternatively, the public educationcoordinator could be a member of a municipal groupsuch as the local health department, animal controlagency, or board of education, or a member of a stake-holder group such as a humane society or veterinaryassociation. Many educational programs targeted atvarious audiences exist and are included in the dog biteprevention resource list found on the AmericanVeterinary Medical Association Web site(www.avma.org). As new materials become available,they will be added to this resource list.

ChildrenChildren are the most common victimsof serious dog bites. Seventy percent of fatal dogattacks and more than half of bite wounds requiringmedical attention involve children.7,9,15 In addition,almost half of all children are bitten before 18 years ofage.27,28 The most vulnerable youngsters are 5- to 9-year-old boys,6,7,8 but smaller children can also be seri-ously injured.29 Dog bite injuries rank third only tobicycle and baseball/softball injuries as a leading causeof emergency admission of children to hospitals.6

Childrens natural behaviors, including running,yelling, grabbing, hitting, quick and darting move-ments, and maintaining eye contact, put them at riskfor dog bite injuries. Proximity of a childs face to thedog also increases the likelihood that facial injurieswill occur.6,7,29-31

Target groupThe first step i n a child educationeffort is determining what population of children totarget and when. The logical primary audience is thoseat greatest risk: children in grades kindergartenthrough 4. Late winter or early spring appears to bethe best time to institute a campaign, because theschool year is concluding and, as children spend moretime outside, exposure risk increases.32 It is critical



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that school administrators buy into the concept of adog bite prevention program; therefore, requests to theschool district must be made by committed convinc-ing well-organized individuals. Because school curric-ula are crowded, time blocks for dog bite preventioneducation should be requested early within the schoolsystems calendar year. If such a block of time is notavailable, an alternative is to have a veterinarian or

physician present a 1-hour lecture or assembly pro-gram to the entire student body. Once dog bite pre-vention education has been included within the cur-riculum (or has been scheduled to be providedthrough a special lecture or assembly program), teach-ers, nurses, and volunteers should consider addressingthe schools parent-teacher organization to inform par-ents of upcoming dog bite prevention training fortheir children.

Secondary effor tsSecondary targets include chil -dren in other settings, such as early education pro-grams (eg, Head Start, day care centers, recreationalcenters, and camps).

Identi fyi ng instructorsWho teaches the material

will depend on expertise within the community. Forclassroom instruction, teachers who have had in-ser-vice training, school nursing staff, health educators, ortrained volunteers are logical choices. Stakeholdergroups (eg, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, ani-mal control officers, physicians, nurses, humane soci-ety staff) may provide a ready source of volunteers forclassroom instruction and special programs.

AdultsAdult cit izens must understand the needfor and support a strong dog bite prevention programnot only for their own safety but for the safety of oth-ers in their community. It is this understanding thatgives a prevention program long-term stability. Alladults should learn appropriate behaviors around dogs

so that they can protect themselves, teach their ownchildren, serve as an example for others, and reinforceappropriate behaviors in other children at every oppor-tunity. Adults also serve as local eyes for animal controlso that roaming dogs are controlled.

Educational materials sent home with school chil-dren, distributed by pediatricians during well-childvisits, inserted in public utility bills, and produced byan enlightened local media are all reasonable approach-es. Involving representatives of service organizationsand community groups during a prevention programsplanning and active stages will strengthen commit-ment.

Active adults (eg, joggers, bicyclists, golfers)

whose outdoor activities provide greater exposure todogs are most at risk for injury. To reach these individ-uals, bite prevention information should be providedto local interest groups, recreational facilities, andhealth clubs.

Target groupPrimary adult targets within thecommunity are those who have children and who areactive in outdoor activities.

Secondary effortsSecondary targets include indi-viduals between the ages of 21 and 65 years.

Identi fyi ng instructorsMaterials can be developedor selected by animal control personnel, veterinarians,veterinary technicians, or other people knowledgeableabout dog behavior. Information can be distributedthrough a number of channels such as those identifiedabove.

The elderlyAs people age, they become moresusceptible to injury and disease. Thinning skin

increases risk of bruising, and a bite producing a sim-ple puncture wound in a younger individual can causea severe laceration in a senior citizen. Sensory percep-tion decreases so that an elderly person may not see athreatening dog or may not be able to read its behav-ioral signals accurately. In addition, diminished motorskills mean that the elderly are less able to physicallyprotect themselves or escape.

Another concern for the elderly is that theirbeloved pet may not be trustworthy around theirgrandchildren. Dogs not raised around small childrenor not frequently exposed to them may not be social-ized toward them.1 This increases the likelihood ofaggressive behavior being directed toward these chil-

dren.An educational program for senior citizens can beimplemented in various sett ings. Materials may be pro-vided through community services for the elderly suchas church groups, visiting nurse programs, meals-on-wheels, recreational centers, or travel groups.Secondary targets are shopping malls and the media.Trained volunteers, especially from dog-associated pro-fessions, are logical sources of information. Humanhealthcare professionals can be an important source ofinformation for the elderly because of the frequency oftheir interactions.

Target groupPrimary targets are grandparentsand people aged 60 years or older who have dogs in

their homes.Secondary effort sSecondary targets include other

individuals who are at least 60 years old.

Identifying instructorsPhysicians can interactwith these people during clinic visits. Animal controlpersonnel, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, andpeople knowledgeable about dog behavior can select orproduce resource information.

Animal ownersPeople who own dogs have awide variety of views about their responsibilities. Forsome, dog care means providing food and water whenthe thought occurs to them. At the other end of thisspectrum is the person who actively makes sure the pet

is appropr iately fed, well-trained, licensed, and healthy.Some individuals view dogs as disposable items thatcan be abandoned at any sign of trouble or expense.Once a community establishes acceptable standards forresponsible ownership, dog owners must be informedof these expectations and related ordinances, and rulesmust be enforced. Owners and future owners must beeducated about their unique set of responsibilities,which include appropriate pet selection, providingquality nutrition, housing, and medical care, compli-ance with confinement and licensing requirements,



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appropriate behavioral training, and supervision ofinteractions between dogs and children. Citizens mustunderstand that pet ownership is an ongoing responsi-bility, not a passive activity.

Dog owners can be provided with informationthrough various avenues. Veterinarians and their staffare logical educators and distributors. Local dog clubsand trainers provide services to more conscientious

owners. Businesses that sell pet foods and suppliesshould also be encouraged to provide bite preventionmaterials to their customers. Information can be dis-tributed with utility bills, and animal shelters can pro-vide classes for people who are considering acquiring apet. Incentives for attendance at bite prevention class-es could include reduced fees for licenses and couponsfor vaccinations, food, and obedience classes. The mostdifficult group of dog owners to reach is those withminimal attachment to their pets. Although strongenforcement of local regulations will change someowners into former owners, most wi ll continue to owndogs. Therefore, education should be an integral partof any enforcement program. A good working relation-ship with the judiciary is critical so that offenders of

animal-related ordinances are required to take coursesthat emphasize responsible ownership.

Target groupPrimary targets are adults whoalready own dogs.

Secondary effortsSecondary targets are adultswho are considering getting a new dog.

Identi fyi ng instructorsInformation for this targetaudience can come from various sources, and its distri-bution should be approached in a number of ways.Animal control officers and members of the legal pro-fession can describe what is expected regarding localregulations and the serious consequences if these reg-ulations are violated. Veterinarians and their staff can

educate owners about vaccinations, neutering,restraint, and other health care issues. Dog club mem-bers and trainers can assist by providing socializationand training instruction and can help educate ownersabout being good dog-owning neighbors.

VictimsWhen someone becomes a dog bite vic-tim, a teachable moment is created. How useful thatmoment becomes in preventing future incidentsdepends tremendously on the seriousness of the biteand the fear response of the victim. Scare-producing orthreatening events are good times for dog bite preven-tion information to be conveyed. However, the timesurrounding a serious injury is generally too emotion-ally charged to be of value for dog bite prevention edu-

cation.Who provides information to victims depends, in

part, on who is contacted about the incident. In addi-tion to medical personnel, animal controls investiga-tive efforts usually require a home visit. Routine visitsto a physician should include gathering historicalinformation about the patients interactions with dogsto identify patients who would benefit from additionaleducation. Media stories that reinforce correctapproaches to prevention can also touch many whenthey are most receptive.

Target groupIndividuals who have recently beenbitten by a dog seriously enough to require medicalattention but not so seriously as to have sustainedsevere injuries are the primary target.

Secondary effortsSecondary targets are individu-als who have been bitten by a dog in the past.

Identi fyi ng instructorsMedical professionals and

animal control personnel are the individuals whoencounter this group.

BusinessesCommunity businesses need toaddress dog bite prevention as well. Certain businesses(eg, veterinary clinics, grooming and boarding facili-ties, animal control, pet sitting agencies) revolvearound direct contact with dogs, and employee educa-tion is critical from a safety and liability standpoint.Employees of other businesses will occasionallyencounter dogs in the course of their daily job activi-ties (eg, utility workers, police officers, parcel carriers,and emergency medical technicians). Training con-ducted by an animal control officer or other knowl-edgeable professional may provide employees with the

tools they need to safely handle contacts with at-largeanimals, attack/guard dogs, or dogs who simply resideon the premises of those facilities where they do busi-ness.

Target groupPrimary targets are employees andbusiness owners who will be working with dogs on adaily basis.

Secondary effortsEmployees of companies whoare likely to encounter dogs in their daily businessactivities can be considered secondary targets.

Identi fyi ng instructorsAnimal control personnel,veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and dog trainerswho are experienced at dealing with dogs in a variety

of environments. These individuals will need to cus-tomize presentations to the type of situations mostlikely encountered by the target audiences.

MediaThe local media play an important role in a com-

munitys efforts at bite prevention. For this reason, it issuggested that 1 member of the advisory council ortask force be a media representative. In addition, theadvisory council can be proactive in helping the mediaconvey important and appropriate messages.Sensational events provide an opportunity to conveyimportant messages. Regular features can reinforceprinciples and keep educational efforts flowing.

Know the mediaYour key to the public eye and ear is a selective up-

to-date list of local media contacts who have an inter-est in animal issues. Such a list can be developed byundertaking a comprehensive media survey. Check thelocal library for publications that l ist names, telephonenumbers, and short descriptions of your communitysmedia outlets. Call each office or studio to discoverwhich desks or departments should receive yourinquiries and press releases. Read local newspapers andlisten to local radio and television news and feature



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programs to identify reporters and hosts who addressanimal issues. Finding out whether these individualsgather their own news or use wire services will allowyou to target press releases and materials to those whoare most likely to use them. Contact local freelancewri ters to see whether they would be willi ng to featurea bite prevention message in an upcoming piece. Beaware that your media list will be dynamic, and take

time to update the names of specific contacts. Once ahelpful story is published, or a reporter conveys yourmessage during a broadcast, be sure to acknowledgethat effort by sending a thank-you note or making anappreciative telephone call.

A spokespersonThe community should identify a spokesperson

who has the expertise to address complicated dog bite-related issues, and this individual should be providedwith media training so that he/she becomes an effectivecommunicator with the print and broadcast media. It isthe spokespersons responsibil ity to convey informationclearly, accurately, and promptly. In various situations,this individual can identify when there are not enough

animal control officers to prevent dog packs from form-ing or when a dog has been sicced on a person as aweapon. A knowledgeable and effective communicatorcan turn a publicized bite into a learning opportunityby providing suggestions on how that bite could havebeen prevented (eg, the dog was not appropriately con-trolled or confined, or a child was left unsupervised).

Have information readily availableThe advisory council or task force should create a

1-page fact sheet for use by the media and thespokesperson. This fact sheet should include the num-ber of dog bite incidents occurring in the communityduring the past year, the number of dogs in the com-

munity, the number of licensed dogs in the communi-ty, what local laws govern dog ownership and control,and to whom problems should be reported. A list ofcommunity resources should also be available.

Ways to effectively convey informationBecause animal stories are popular with the media,

there are numerous opportunities to convey bite pre-vention information. Local broadcast programs andnewspapers find regular segments about animals pop-ular with viewers/listeners/readers, and most of thosespots have enough time for short lessons. Anotherapproach is to proactively bring animal stories to themedia. Examples include a story about a shelter dogthat visits nursing homes after being rescued and

appropriately trained, a description of a guide orhero dogs training, or warm-weather tips for pets.Effective mechanisms for providing information varywith the medium but include:

News releasesReleases may be provided toprint, radio, or television outlets. Releases should bedouble-space typed on stationery that provides thesource of the announcem

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