Dog Bite Prevention Campaign Kicks off this week

Dog Bite Prevention Campaign Kicks off this week: Winnipeg Humane Society and the Animal Services Agency

(WINNIPEG) – The Winnipeg Humane Society and the City of Winnipeg’s Animal Services Agency are joining forces to remind families of the importance of educating children on how to be safe with dogs. National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 17 – 23, and the agencies are working together to spread the word that dog bites can be prevented.

“Everyone, especially children, need to learn how to behave with dogs – dogs they know and don’t know,” said Aileen White, WHS Director of Communications. “Dogs are communicating with us all the time, and once we learn how to understand them, we’ll be safer and happier.”

“The Animal Services Agency’s goal is to promote and protect the health and safety of our community, both human and animal,” said Leland Gordon, Chief Operating Officer of the Animal Services Agency. “Talking to kids about dog safety and bite prevention is a great way to encourage healthy, safe relationships with our furry friends.”

A school presentation and media event will be held at Dufferin School On Wednesday, May 20. Val Poulton, WHS Behaviour Manager and CPDT certified dog trainer, will demonstrate how to interpret dog body language with a friendly rescue dog from the WHS. This will be followed by a school presentation inside the gym at 1:30 p.m. Students will learn how to approach dogs and what to do when a dog becomes aggressive. Representatives from both agencies will be on-hand for interviews, as well as appearances from some very special guests!

WHERE:           Dufferin School, 545 Alexander Ave.

WHEN:            Wednesday, May 20, 1:30 p.m.

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About The Winnipeg Humane Society

The Winnipeg Humane Society is a registered charity and non-profit organization whose mission is to protect all animals from suffering and to promote their welfare and dignity. The WHS takes in over 8,000 animals on an annual basis. All pets offered for adoption and sale have been spayed or neutered, received necessary shots and treatments, and a behavioural assessment.  For more information on The WHS, please visit winnipeghumanesociety.ca.

About the Animal Services Agency

The Animal Services Agency provides animal control measures to protect both people and animals under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Animal Services Officers handle more than 10,000 incidents a year involving animals. The Agency operates successful adoption, volunteer, and foster programs. Services provided include housing stray dogs and reuniting them with their owners, as well as providing emergency response to house fires or car accidents to help ensure the safety of pets involved in emergency situations. For more information on the Animal Services Agency, please visit Winnipeg.ca/animalservices.