‘The rise in animal bites incidents is worrying’: Health unit launches campaign to reduce animal bites

Yellow is the color of caution on website traffic lights but it is also a warning indication to give space to canines and other animals.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is encouraging the use of a yellow ribbon – or bandana, bow or related marker – tied on a dog’s leash or collar to remind people today to give the animal room. It’s part of the Health and fitness Unit’s Warning: I May Bite awareness marketing campaign to lower the amount of described animal bites in its area, which proceeds to doggy the location.

Considering the fact that 2019, the wellness device has yearly investigated far more than 600 animal chunk/scratch incidents in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“The rise in animal bites incidents is worrying given the rabies-exposure risk, the trauma endured by the sufferer, and the fact that most of these bites involve animals or domestic animals,” claims wellbeing safety manager Richard Ovcharich. “Our new marketing campaign highlights yellow as the color of caution, which identifies when canine need their house and reduces probable bites or scratches if another person receives as well near. Simply put: see yellow on a pet, give the animal place.”

The Health Unit’s Caution: I Might Chunk marketing campaign builds on the international ‘Yellow Puppy Project’ movement that encourages individuals to tie a yellow ribbon or one thing related to a dog’s leash or collar indicating the animal wants house for a variety of reasons. This could include things like age, wellness difficulties, recovering from operation, nervousness, aggression or teaching.

Ovcharovich encourages family members, specially kids, to understand what the yellow ribbon or marker means and give the animal place. It is most effective not to approach or check out petting any animal without the owner’s comprehensive focus and route, he provides.

The overall health device has also designed a Preserve Bites at Bay university-dependent classroom useful resource and activity for kindergarten to Grade 6 students, selling animal bites avoidance and the use of yellow ribbons. Instructors can share the information and facts in course or organize for a presentation by a community wellness inspector by contacting 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006.

The health and fitness unit must be notified any time an animal bites or scratches a person. If an incident occurs, Ovcharovich encourages folks to get the pet owner’s contact information and facts. If doable, acquire a photograph of the animal or recall distinct options this kind of as markings and collar with tags. This assists the health unit in its observe-up investigation to make certain the appropriate animal is recognized.

For a lot more information stop by www.hkpr.on.ca.

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