A recent dog attack near Katikati in Bay of Plenty, which tragically claimed the life of a 4-year-old child, has raised alarm across New Zealand, prompting renewed calls for better dog safety education. The incident, which shocked the community, involved dogs that have since been euthanized, and police investigations are ongoing.
Animal experts are sounding the alarm over the apparent increase in dog attacks across the country. According to Auckland emergency specialist Dr. Natasha Duncan-Sutherland, New Zealand recorded around 28,000 dog-related injuries last year, with nearly 3,000 of these involving children under 15. Dr. Duncan-Sutherland noted that about half of these injuries were caused by dog bites, with the overall number of incidents showing a concerning upward trend.
“We are seeing a significant rise in these injuries. Ten years ago, we recorded around 20,000 dog-related injuries,” she explained. “Now, you are eight times more likely to be hospitalized for a dog bite injury than you were 40 years ago.”
Jo Clough, the founder of Dog Safe Workplace, a provider of dog safety training, suggested that the situation might be even worse than reported, as fewer than 20% of dog-related incidents are officially documented. She emphasized that not all injuries are caused by aggressive dogs; even playful, overly excited dogs can be dangerous if interactions are not handled properly.
Clough offered advice on how to prevent dog attacks, including the importance of adults never leaving children alone with dogs, and ensuring dogs are given space when they need it. “It’s crucial to approach dogs calmly and avoid touching them around the face or head. Research shows that you don’t need to extend your hand to a dog’s face for them to smell you,” she said.
She also recommended that individuals feeling threatened by a dog should avoid waving their arms or making sudden movements. Instead, they should position an object, like a handbag or a bicycle, between themselves and the dog for protection.
James Whitaker, injury prevention leader at ACC, stressed that most dog-related injuries are preventable. He noted that a majority of incidents occur in familiar environments, such as a person’s home or a relative’s house, and are often caused by dogs that the victim knows. Whitaker reiterated the importance of teaching children, especially toddlers and school-aged children, how to interact with dogs safely.
In Auckland, Aaron Neary, proactive animal management team leader at Auckland Council, confirmed that dog attacks have been on the rise, with more than 130,000 known dogs in the city. “Any dog has the potential to bite,” Neary warned, urging people to exercise caution when approaching unfamiliar dogs.
This surge in dog attacks has brought the need for better public awareness and safety measures to the forefront, especially as dog populations continue to grow across New Zealand.
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