Any Dog Can Bite! Auckland Council Launches Campaign To Drive Down Dog Attacks On Children

A dog is a man’s best friend, or so the saying
goes.

Yes, dogs can be sweet and loving, but they’re
still animals which means they have natural instincts and
can bite; the sweetest dog on the planet can be provoked
into biting.

Already this year in Auckland, 12 attacks
on children have been reported to the council; this is
likely to be a fraction of injuries that occur as many
incidents go unreported. In 2023 there were 783 claims made
to ACC for dog-related injuries in children up to 14 years
old requiring hospital treatment in Auckland alone; add
another 300 for the 15–19-year-olds and that number rises
to 1083.

Councillor Josephine Bartley says dogs are
not just pets, they are beloved members of our families
providing joy and companionship in our lives.

“But the
reality is that any dog can bite and most such incidents are
preventable.

“Research reveals around 27,000
dog-related injuries are reported every year in New Zealand,
with just under 3000 of those to babies and children under
14 years old.

“Statistics, including data from
Starship Hospital, highlight that children under nine years
old of Māori and Pasifika communities are more likely to be
seriously injured in dog attacks.

“We
need to address this issue as a community and this is why
Auckland Council is launching the campaign, to draw
attention to the problem in the hope people will become more
vigilant with dogs around children,” she
says.

Dr Natasha Duncan-Sutherland is an
emergency doctor at Auckland Hospital with over 10 years'
experience in emergency departments. She conducted six
studies on the prevention of dog-related injuries, including
one that showed children aged 0-9 were more likely to be
hospitalised with serious injuries to the head and
neck.

“The main reason dog attacks occur is
over-trust. Preventing dog attacks requires a societal shift
in perception from ‘my dog wouldn’t’ to ‘my dog
could’.

“Prevention also requires adults within
communities to speak up when they see issues with dogs and
take responsibility for the safety of our children – ko te
tohu o te rangatira he manaaki.”

The
launch of the council’s “Any dog can
bite” campaign is a timely reminder to dog
owners and families of their responsibilities, says Auckland
Council’s Manager Animal Management Elly
Waitoa.

“We all love having pets, but
dogs can bite in a variety of situations, even playful or
protective ways. Dog owners need to consider child safety,
the protection of children and the risks of having dogs
around children in both private and public
spaces.

“Our Animal Management team has a proactive
programme around responsible dog ownership and continues to
educate adults and children on how to safely interact with
dogs and understand dog behaviour,” she says.

Elly
has some important advice for parents and caregivers, to
ensure little ones are kept safe around the family pooch or
a visiting pup.

“Babies and children should never be
left alone with a dog and should always be closely
supervised within arms-reach of an adult.

“Dogs can
harm children through chasing (predatory) behaviour; if
they’re jumped on or knock over a bassinet; by sitting on
an infant; when guarding a bone, food or property; when they
are startled, overstimulated or when children get over
excited,” she says.

Dog owners can also take
proactive steps to protect little ones by always supervising
them around dogs, particularly when they are playing or in a
large group, providing separate child and dog spaces in the
home for non-supervised times, desexing dogs, and ensuring
their property is fenced and gated to prevent the dog
escaping.

When in public (and other than specific
off-leash areas), keeping dogs on a leash held by an adult
helps keep everybody safe from unwanted behaviour or an
attack. And if you have a dog that is reactive, fit it with
a humane muzzle to protect both your dog and the public from
harmful interactions.

“Ultimately, preventing dog
attacks can be achieved through responsible dog ownership,
some simple changes to owner behaviour and greater
acceptance that any dog can bite.”

The campaign
which targets communities in the south of Auckland include
radio advertising, street posters, community papers, social
and digital banners.

Advice for dog
owners:

• don’t allow dogs to roam
  beyond your property; their sense of territory expands and
  increases the likelihood of aggressive behaviour and
  attacks
• keep dogs contained or under control at all
  times
• de-sexing is important; a de-sexed dog is less
  likely to be aggressive and roam
• be extra careful
  with toddlers; they are more vulnerable because of their
  size, lack of understanding of risk and verbal
  instructions.

Toddlers and children
should not be allowed to:

• be around
  dogs, including puppies, without adult
  supervision
• put their face down to a dog’s face,
  hug or kiss it
• play with a dog’s, food, feeding
  bowl, toys or bedding
• wander into neighbouring
  properties where there may be
  dogs.

Signs of a happy
dog:

• low, wagging tail
• relaxed
  mouth that appears to be smiling
• soft and friendly
  eyes
• relaxed ear
• fur laying
  smooth

Signs of an unhappy
dog:

• tail is stiff and up or tucked
  tightly between the dogs leg
• lips are pulled back
  and showing teeth, could be barking or growling
• hard
  eyes that may appear black as pupils dilate
• ears
  folded back tightly in a defensive position
• hair on
  the back and shoulders standing
• rigid and uptight
  body

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