Dangerous Dogs : Policy BSCB

Child Injury Prevention Coordinator Introduction BSCB The Role of the Injury Prevention Coordinator Dangerous Dogs Policy Development

Why Focus on this Issue?: Local Dog Attacks Media – Nationally Report Dog Attacks In the last year there have been a number of dog attacks in the Bradford District as reported in the T and A

Research regarding dog related injuries Research by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) reveals that outside of London, West Yorkshire had the highest number of hospital admissions due to injuries caused by dogs at 498. Of those, 104 were in the Bradford District. In 2012/13, the local figure was 105, and it was 110 in 2011/12.

The research found that : Admissions were highest in the summer months. The age group with the highest number of admissions was 0-9 year olds. With 0-4 year olds at particular risk. Overall, the most common diagnosis was an open wound of the wrist or hand. However, children suffered more injuries to their head than any other age group. Plastic surgery was the most common treatment speciality for all age groups.

Local Action Development of a Policy Development/ Source a leaflet for parents/ carers Develop links between children centres, LAC Services, Schools and PDSA and Dogs Trust offering free educational sessions Help Coordinate training Embed links with the police dog team and Children’s Specialist Services.

The Policy Framework Section 1. Dangerous Dogs

The Policy Framework Section 2. The Dog and the Child: Family Context

The Policy Framework Section 3. Owners and Families (including extended family and temporary carers)

Policy Guidance Section 4 4. Practitioner Guidance 4.1 Risk Factors: Dangerous Dogs 4.2 When to Contact Children’s Specialist Services (Children’s Social Care)?

Policy Guidance: 5. Research What does the research say? Some additional risk factors to bear in mind

Risk Assessment Developed to complement the policy document When visiting children/ families where dogs are present that are cause for concern may be useful If in doubt contact the police on 101 or refer to children’s specialist services Welcome comments regarding the risk assessment – need to ensure it works for you

Staff training The training you have had today may be available via the Dogs Trust for individual teams. It is important that staff feel confident when going out to homes where there are dogs. Staff need to be aware of dog behaviour and how to spot warning signs/ risk factors to safeguard themselves and others.

Further Information The guidance is available for download at scb.org.uk. scb.org.uk Information and training: The Dogs Trust Useful leaflets:Battersea Dogs Home PDSA RSPCA Davina Hartley: