The killing of a three year old child by a group of cross bred
dogs yesterday should be a major warning to every family who has a
dog and young children, Kidsafe Victoria said today.
Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said dogs and young
children, especially babies and toddlers, do not mix and dog attacks
can leave children disfigured for life as well as being fatal.
A
recent survey of councils in Victoria found there were 3300 reported
dog attacks in one year - that's about 63 incidents a week, or nine
attacks a day according to media reports.
A report by the Monash University Accident Research Centre
concluded "Dog bite is a substantial public health problem in
Victoria, with approximately 435 hospital admissions for dog bite
injury reported each year and a further 1,260 hospital emergency
presentations."
"Young children under five should not be left unsupervised
with dogs including family pets."
Dr Stokes said it is quite clear that certain breeds of dogs,
which have been bred for hunting, should not be anywhere near babies
and young children, a stance which has been well promoted by the
RSPCA.
Kidsafe believed the community is not aware of the number of
reported dog attacks which take place within each local government
area and called for a monthly tally to be publicly released similar
to the road toll by councils.
"As a community we need to become far more aware of the dangers
of dogs with babies and young children.
"A monthly report on the number of dog attacks in each council
area and a state wide figure would at least provide an indication of
the problem," Dr Stokes said.
Media Enquiries:
Dr Mark Stokes President Kidsafe Victoria
Mobile: 0408 038 267
Aleks Natora, State Manager Kidsafe
Victoria, Mobile 0419 836 244
Ron Smith Corporate Media
Communications Kidsafe Victoria Mobile: 0417 329 201
