Peoria- Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) is raising awareness of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, May 18 – 24. Dog Bite Prevention Week is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association to encourage everyone to be aware of the potential risk of dogs biting. This recognition week brings attention to the more than four million people bitten or attacked by dogs each year in the United States. In our community, animal control officers investigate more than 400 animal bites each year, many involving children with serious results. Most dog bite victims know the dog involved and in many cases the dogs are even part of the family.

Many of these bites and attacks can be prevented by responsible pet ownership. PCAPS encourages all pet owners to:

·         Keep your pet restrained to your own property and supervised at all times, especially around children

·         Make sure your pet has a current rabies vaccination and rabies tag

·         Spay or neuter your dog

·         Train and socialize your dog

·         Report free-roaming dogs to PCAPS immediately

 It is also important to educate children, and even adults, about basic safety around dogs. PCAPS and the Peoria Humane Society are offering presentations on dog bite prevention and safety around animals. Presentations can be tailored for any venue and are suitable for all ages. Presenters offer ideas for teaching children to be safe around dogs, tips on preventing a dog bite, and how to respond if a dog bites or attacks someone in your neighborhood.

For more information about Dog Bite Prevention Week or to schedule a safety presentation, call Peoria County Animal Protection Services at 672-2440.