Dog Bite Prevention Week In South Carolina Increases Awareness | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

The Times & Democrat, reporting out of Orangeburg, South Carolina, shared some shocking dog bite statistics and helpful dog bite safety tips during it’s coverage of South Carolina Dog Bite Prevention Week, which took place this year from May 18-May 24. Mainly, Dog Bite Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of dog attacks throughout the country through education.

Orangeburg County itself has seen 678 reported dog bite cases within the last two years – with 153 of those cases involving children that could be emotionally affected by the dog attack as well. In the US Postal South Carolina District, 26 dog bites have injured employees in the last 7 months.

Sheila Gregory, vice president of the local Maude Schiffley Chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told reporters that one important fact to understand is that many dog bite attacks happen within the home and by dogs that you are familiar with – it is not always strange strays that cause dog bite injuries.

Gregory also thinks that dog bite prevention begins with education – and explained that the SPCA is especially trying to educate young children who may not know how to properly act around aggressive dogs. The children watch a short video on dog bite prevention and share a tips sheet with their parents. Among the tips are two important ones: never avoid direct eye contact with an aggressive dog and don’t bother a dog that is eating, playing, or tending to puppies.