In Part 2 of our Safe Family report this week on National Bite Prevention Month, Ryan Loyd looks at learning how to prevent an animal from biting. It is an important topic, especially if you have children. Find out the legal side of an animal bite, and how owner responsibility can keep your family safe.
With National Bite Prevention Month, pet experts are spreading the word about how to communicate better with our animals. Our language and behavior is very foreign to animals, and we have to understand where they're coming from.
Remember pet etiquette, and don't assume you can approach any dog or cat and pet them. Tommie Kirksmith says to think about your actions to avoid inviting trouble.
"Animals communicate very clearly. They are animals of habit. When they eat, don't stick your face in their face. When they're sleeping, don't say I want to play."
Owner responsibility is very important, especially if someone is bitten by your animal.
"Report it. And owners have to show proof of rabies shots."
Seek medical attention right away if you are bitten.
Animals are often times misunderstood, but if people begin to learn how to speak their language, we can all stay a little safer.
Don't forget- if you come across a strange animal you don't know, just ‘be a tree,’ and stand perfectly still.
