July 10, 2002

City Launches Dog Bite Prevention Campaign
 

"Is your dog keeping something from you"

(CALGARY, ALBERTA) – The City of Calgary Animal Services and Partners for Community Safety announced today the launch of a new campaign to reduce the number of aggressive dog incidents in Calgary.

Protective or aggressive animals may prevent meter readings, service technicians, mail carriers and others from providing service to Calgarians. The campaign, "Is your dog keeping something from you" involves educating dog owners about their responsibilities as a dog owner in order to help service providers avoid being injured while working.

"Service providers are often the first to recognize a potential problem," says Tracy Gauson, Public Education Coordinator with Animal and Bylaw Services. "By alerting owners and the enforcement authorities to potential problem animals, they can help prevent a situation where a dog may bite other service providers, neighbors or passers-by," she said.

Partners for Community Safety is working to prevent these incidents through awareness and education. The external campaign includes informative publications, articles in utility customer newsletters, bill messages and information in dog registration kits. An internal campaign focuses on safety training for employees.

Partners for Community Safety is an association committed to decreasing the number of aggressive dog incidents in Calgary. The association is comprised of members from various utility and service providers including: The City of Calgary Animal and Bylaw Services, ATCO Gas, ENMAX, Canada Post, DataCo and the Alberta SPCA.

In 2001, there were 667 aggressive incidents reported to Animal Services. Of these incidents 293 were bites, 241 were chase or threats and 21 were human injuries.

Although the majority of dog owners are responsible, all owners can take steps to prevent an incident simply by properly containing the dog when outdoors in an outdoor dog run, making sure gates and screen doors are latched and secure and making sure the dog is well exercised and socialized.

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For further information, contact:
Tracy Gauson
Public Education Coordinator
Animal and Bylaw Services
(403) 268-6979