Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention
Dog Bites Team
Team Leaders:
Cynthia Martin, Scott Vogel
Member Agencies:
Mispillion Kennel Club, Literacy Education Assistance Pups, Delaware SPCAHumane Education Department (latter dissolved, December 31, 2008).
Key Objectives:
Promote responsible dog ownership and educate children on safety around animals, thereby lowering the incidence of dog bites.
Key 2008 Project Name:
“A leash is the best bite prevention.” - responsible pet ownership education.
Brief Project Description:
The Delaware SPCA Humane Education program presented over 500 age-appropriate programs throughout Delaware in 2008. Members of the Mispillion Kennel Club assisted by bringing their own dogs to demonstrate obedient, well-trained canine companions. Mispillion Kennel Club promoted responsible pet-ownership through community outreach programs and teaching dog training classes. Literacy Education Assistance Pups (L.E.A.P.) taught pet safety to children as a routine segment of the reading assistance program.In addition, prevention of animal cruelty was taught in terms of “respect for all living creatures.”
The prime age group to reach with safety messages is kindergarten through fourth grade. The children who had the opportunity to participate in these programs have gained skills and information, and adults who participated in Responsible Pet Programs have gained a better understanding of their roles in ensuring the safety of children and their pets.
Project Outcome:
Through dog training classes and community outreach programs, children were taught how to greet a dog, how to be safe around animals, and respect for all living creatures, and the importance of developing well-trained and socialized pets was stressed.
There are a variety of dog groups in Delaware but few participate in public education programs. There are many dog training programs in the State. The American Kennel Club has a wide range of resources available for humane educators. The challenge is pulling these pieces together to fill the current void and continue providing humane education programs for the Delaware public.
