 A
Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention
JAVMA 218(11):1732-1749 June 1, 2001
Prepared by the American Veterinary Medical
Association’s Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine
Interactions*
 Dog bites are a serious public health problem that can inflict
considerable physical and emotional damage on victims and be extremely
costly to communities. Decreasing dog bites requires active and
ongoing community involvement; passive or periodic attention will not
solve this problem. This task force report is intended to help state
and local leaders find effective ways to reduce the dog bite problem
in their communities. A large number of agencies and organizations who
are involved in dog bite issues helped develop this report.
A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention covers:
- representative national statistics on the existing dog bite
problem
- how to mobilize a community and the infrastructure needed to
establish a program
- specific prevention recommendations
- recommendations for dog bite reporting
- educational and communication approaches and targets
In summary, the report contains everything community leaders should
consider when starting a dog bite prevention program. Also included
are a model dog control ordinance and model legislation for the
control of dangerous dogs.
Download the Report
The report is
available as a PDF on the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
For More Information
Gail C. Golab, Ph.D., D.V.M
American Veterinary Medical Association
847.925.8070
*Taskforce included representatives from: American Veterinary
Medical Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
American Medical Association; National Animal Control Association;
schools of veterinary medicine; American Academy of Pediatrics;
American College of Emergency Physicians; Professional Liability
Insurance Trust; American College of Veterinary Behaviorists;
insurance industry; Humane Society of the U.S.; legal profession |
