SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Health Region (SHR) is reminding dog owners that they are responsible for the actions of their four-legged friends. On March 7 alone, the health region was contacted about seven animal bites happening that day.
The public service announcement was released ahead of a weekend with warm weather in the forecast, when more people will take their dogs outdoors.
“You have to make sure you are aware of what’s going on around you,” Dr. Simon Kapaj, deputy medical health officer for the SHR, said in a news release.
“While you may be a responsible dog owner, others may not be, so you need to make sure you don’t accidently put your pet in a situation where a bite may occur.”
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A total of 592 animal bites were reported to the health region in 2015, slightly higher than the 583 reported in 2014. Almost 90 per cent of animals involved were domestic dogs and cats.
Legislation requires animal bites to be reported to the SHR’s Population and Public Health department. To report a bite, call 306-655-4612.
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