Dog Bite Prevention Week

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control advocates the training of any dog in order to prevent victims of dog-bite related injuries or even potentially fatal injuries. Maricopa County was responsible for numerous dog -bite related injuries and has increased by an estimated 4.7 million people a year in the United States since late last year. According to the Center for disease control, animal experts strongly suggest that education among community members, particularly dog owners, can prevent most dog bites.

Every year the third week of May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. The Humane Society, the United States Postal Service, American Veterinary Medical Association, the Center for Disease Control, and the American Academy of Pediatrics promote the safety of people with dogs. All five groups emphasize dog-bite prevention programs that primarily focus on children (who are most likely to be bitten by a dog) and postal service workers. In 2007, 3,000 city and rural carriers suffered dog bite related injuries. This is also locally participated in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and the Maricopa County area & Animal Care and Control.

All organizations are aware that it is the dog owners who are legally responsible for the actions of their dogs. If someone else's dog has injured you or someone you love, the owner is liable for your injuries both physical and emotional. National Dog Bite Prevention Week is a start in prevention.

How doe some of theses organizations help?

The promotion program follows the simple slogan: "Stay Alert: Don't be Fooled by 'My Dog Won't Bite!'"

The United States Postal Service asks their communities to let their postal carrier know if their dog is running loose and if so to place them in a separate room prior to mail deliverance. The Postal service helps educate their employees' safety.

The Human society provides online resources to teach how to avoid a dog bite. They also provide a colorful activity book for children that teach them the appropriate behavior for both themselves and the animal. And for adults they provide a question-answer sheet to help educate the safety one takes when around a dog in order to prevent a dog-bite related injury.

The American Veterinary Medical Association like the Humane Society provides support online, with particular online resources focusing on how a community may approach a situation were dog-bite prevention is needed.

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides brochures that emphasize lessons in dog training and the importance of being a responsible dog owner.

Contact an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney

But even educating communities on dog owners is not enough. If any dog related injuries in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or elsewhere in Maricopa County have occurred, fatal or not, the owner should be held responsible and an Arizona dog bite injury lawyer can help. Even with prevention, dog bites and attacks occur. If you are unable to prevent a dog-bite related injury and as a result, you or a loved one have been the victim of an attack, our Arizona dog-bite injury lawyer can help get the compensation you deserve. For more information see www.azdogbitefirm.com