June 17, 2002

PARTNERS LAUNCH ANIMAL-BITE PREVENTION PROGRAM
 

(Edmonton, Alberta) - Protective or aggressive animals may prevent meter readers, service technicians, mail carriers and others from providing services to Edmontonians.

"These service providers are often the first to recognize problem animals," says Christopher Henthorne of City of Edmonton Animal Control. "By alerting owners and the enforcement authorities to potential problem animals, they can help prevent a situation where a dog or other animal may bite other service providers, neighbors, or passersby," he said.

Today Partners for Animal and Community Safety (PACS) launched a new initiative to promote responsible pet ownership. PACS is comprised of animal care organizations and utility and service companies whose employees regularly encounter animals while serving customers. PACS partners are ATCO Gas, Alberta SPCA, Canada Post, City of Edmonton Animal Control, Edmonton SPCA, and EPCOR.

"ATCO Gas is thoroughly committed to the highest level of work place safety," says Roy McKnight, ATCO Safety Coordinator. "We are always concerned about any safety related issue our employees encounter and continually implement measures to prevent or lessen further incidents. We welcome any opportunity to proactively work with others in the community to discuss and apply solutions to these issues.

"Our goal is better protection for everyone – our employees, dog owners and dogs," says Rick Forbes, EPCOR Meter Reading Field Operations Manager. "The members of PACS realize that most dog owners are responsible, but many are still surprised at their dog’s behavior when our employees arrive. For that reason, it’s always a good idea to ensure you have control over your dog."
Although the majority of customers are responsible pet owners, it is clear that a problem exists. Two hundred dog bites were reported to City Animal Control Services this past year, while 600 people were treated for dog bites at Edmonton hospitals. "It is a problem that must be addressed," states Valerie Lalor, spokesperson for the Edmonton SPCA. "These numbers are significant, yet the actual number of incidents is unknown as many are not reported. We need to reach all animal owners as large and small animals alike can cause significant injury to a person."

When responding to aggressive animal reports, City Animal Control will try to help both the pet owner and those affected. Animal Control Officers can provide information on responsible pet ownership, check licences and issue a verbal warning. If the situation warrants, an animal can be taken into care, assessed, and if necessary, euthanized. A fine of $300.00 may be issued if verbal warnings are ignored.

Through informative publications and articles combined with training about safety around animals, PACS hopes to raise employee and community awareness of this serious problem. The partners long-term objective is to work together to improve public safety with all animals and to create a safe working environment for the community and service providers.

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For further information, contact:
PACS Partners and contacts:
 

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