WHAT: As we approach the summer months, Rady Children’s and the County of San Diego’s Department of Animal Services are joining forces to get the message out about dog bites during National Dog Bite Prevention Month. “In the last several years we have seen an increase in the number of dog bite cases,” said Kay Thompson, R.N., Sam S. and Rose Stein Emergency Care Center. “We see about five dog bites a week at Rady Children’s. In 2011, we saw a total of 264 dog bites.” Thompson, who is also a dog trainer, says in 80% of those cases the bite came from a dog the victim was familiar with.
On Wednesday, May 2 at 11 a.m., Thompson and Lt. Dan DeSousa, with the Department of Animal Services, will demonstrate the dos and don’ts of interacting with a dog and provide important tips for parents on keeping children safe from dog bites.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 2 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Rady Children’s Hospital, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA. Meet in front of the emergency room.
WHO: Kay Thompson, R.N., Sam S. and Rose Stein Emergency Care Center and Dog Trainer
Lt. Dan DeSousa, County of San Diego Department of Animal Services
VISUALS: A trained dog will help demonstrate the appropriate way to interact with dogs to avoid being bitten.