National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Low-Cost Rabies Clinic Available May 15, 2009

COLUMBUS — Dog bites are a serious problem for the entire community and especially for Postal Service Letter Carriers. Beginning May 8, Franklin County residents will receive post cards in the mail that outline a number of tips to help prevent dog bites to you, our neighbors or your mail carriers. The postcards also announce the annual low-cost rabies immunization event on May 16. “;In Columbus Postal District last year, dogs attacked 76 Postal Service Letter Carriers. There were also a significant number of instances where dogs interfered with mail delivery. Fortunately, most dog bites can be prevented through responsible pet ownership,” said Joshua D. Colin, District Manager.

Dog owners should remind their children about the need to keep the family dog secured. We also recommend parents ask their children not to take mail directly from letter carriers. A dog may interpret the carrier's handing mail to a child as a threatening gesture. Clearly, parents must never leave a defenseless infant with a dog and must ensure that older children know the potential danger of dogs. It is also important to note that studies have shown that dogs are three times more likely to be involved in a biting incident if they have not been spayed or neutered. These simple reminders and helpful tips can reduce the hazard of dog bites and attacks, and will help make this spring and summer safer.

The Franklin County Dog Shelter is offering low-cost rabies immunizations during the annual Immunization Clinic on Friday, May 15, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1731 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43207.

All dogs, cats and ferrets in Franklin County are required to be vaccinated and are required to wear their rabies tag. The clinic is open to all Franklin County residents. For more info, call the Franklin County Board of Health at 462-3160.

The clinic is sponsored by the United Postal States Service, the Franklin County Board of Health, the Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control, the Columbus Academy of Veterinary Medicine, the Capital Area Humane Society, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Franklin County Auditor.

Hundreds of dog bites are reported in Franklin County each year. Many of these result in serious injuries to children. Please help prevent dog bites to you and your neighbors by following these tips...

• If you own a dog, keep it securely confined on your property so it can’t escape.
• If your dog is off your property, have it on a leash at all times.
• Never approach a dog that you do not know, no matter how “nice” it looks.
• If you encounter a strange dog, do not run! A dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch prey. If you run, you are encouraging the dog to you.
• If a strange dog approaches you, don’t scream. Avoid direct eye contact with the dog. Try and remain motionless until the dog leaves, then back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
• If you see a stray dog running loose, call the Department of Animal Care and Control 614-462-3400.
• For information on dog laws, locating a lost dog, and adopting a dog, please visit www.franklincountydogs.