Advice for keeping children and dogs safe

Are you dog safe? This is a question all dog owners should be asking themselves after several recent incidents of dog attack related deaths nationally.

As part of Child Safety Awareness week, we are sharing the Dog Safety Code, which is a guide to help keep both children and dogs safe when they are together.

The code says:

• Be alert – Always supervise your dog around children, or vice versa.
• Be aware – Understand the signals that a dog may give you to show they’re uncomfortable.
• Be safe – Remember that any dog can bite and accidents happen fast.

Chief Inspector Dave Nichols said: “As the lead for the force’s dog section, I know that these animals have the capability to be amazing and are an important part of many families.

“But whilst you may think that you know your pet, it is always worth bearing in mind that dogs can be unpredictable or have a limit as to what they are able tolerate.

“This is especially important when mixing dogs and children, as they sadly tend to be the majority of victims. By following the Dog Safety Code, you are making sure that both children and family pets are kept safe.”

Further details, including what signals a dog might give that show that they are uncomfortable, are available on the Canine and Feline Sector Group website.

If you wish to report a dangerous dog, please contact us via the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101.
• If there is an imminent risk of injury please call 999.

For more information please visit our website: Animal crime | Derbyshire Constabulary