We all know that more children are staying home from school because of closures due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to a news report, the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control has been witnessing an alarming increase in the reporting of dog bites to children during this period.
Lifestyle Changes Due to COVID-19
School closures because of COVID-19 have dramatically altered home life for both families and their pets. Children are home full-time learning new ways to engage online with their teachers. Younger children, who would usually be in daycare or pre-school, are also home. More and more adults have been working from home because their offices are closed.
Since parents may be focusing on work, they may not be able to continually monitor their children’s interaction with pets or animals in the neighborhood when they play outdoors. The county reports that a majority of dog bites at home have occurred when the family dog was eating, playing with a toy, challenged or hurt by a child.
Important Safety Tips
Here are a few tips to keep children safe at home, especially when it comes to animals:
- It’s important to recognize that a house full of children can be exhausting for pets. They need their own time to rest. Pets should have quiet places where they can retreat and children should be taught not to bother the pet when it is resting. It may also be a good idea to block off an area that pets like and make kids understand that pets should not be disturbed when they are using these areas.
- Keep a close eye on interactions between children and pets. Some red flags include growling, avoidance, stiff body posture, raised hackles, nervousness, etc.
- Never allow children to interfere with pets when they are eating or caring for their young.
- Always supervise children and pets when they are playing together.
- Never allow children to climb on dogs, pull their ears, tug their tails or engage in other aggravating behaviors.
If your child has been injured in a dog attack involving someone else’s pet, you may be able to seek compensation for the injuries, damages and losses stemming from such an attack. Contact an experienced Los Angeles dog attack lawyer who can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: https://scvnews.com/county-sees-spike-in-dog-bites-with-kids-home-from-school/
