WIRRAL primary school children are being given paws for thought thanks to an innovative new campaign aimed at reducing the number of dog bites over the summer months.
Dog handlers from Merseyside Police have been taking robotic pooch Fred into schools across Merseyside so that youngsters can learn about the best ways to act in the presence of a dog.
Today saw “golden retriever” Fred and dogs officer Stuart Davidson visit Brentwood Early Years Centre in Wallasey and Woodlands Primary School in Birkenhead.
Figures show that more people are bitten in the summer months than any other time of year, with children aged between five and nine most likely to fall victim.
Last August, there were 69 victims of dog bites compared to just 21 in February.
Parks and open spaces have been identified as hot spots, with 47 incidents reported in Central Park and Birkenhead Park over 12 months.
And with the summer holidays fast approaching, Mersyeside Police hopes its campaign will help to reduce those shocking figures.
Working with Kate Scott, a teacher at Liverpool College, the force hopes the hands on activity will teach children the best way to behave around dogs.
Animatronic Fred responds positively to being stroked and angrily if the children are too enthusiastic with him.
Inspector Gareth Phelps, from the dogs and mounted section at Merseyside Police, said: “We are absolutely determined to reduce the numbers of children in Merseyside being hurt by dogs. It is crucial that we educate youngsters at an early age about how to be around dogs.
“We use very simple messages, such as asking how they would feel if someone bothered them while they were eating their dinner and to imagine how a dog would feel if their mealtime was interrupted.
“How dogs would like to be treated during meal times, to convey to children the importance of being calm and respectful toward all dogs.
“So far, pupils have really enjoyed meeting Fred and have taken on board all of our advice. We look forward to taking the initiative to other schools around Merseyside.”
Pupils Jack Walsh and Olivia Guy with PC Nicky Walsh and Fred the animatronic dog. Picture by Geoff Davies.
After a successful pilot at Liverpool College, the initiative is being rolled out to schools across Merseyside.
The visits encourage children to take on board some simple messages in how to treat dogs and how owners can manage their pets responsibly.
Deborah Richards, headteacher at Brentwood Early Years Centre, said: “The children really enjoyed interacting with Fred. We welcome the efforts of Merseyside Police to help educate our pupils on their behaviour around dogs because the safety of our pupils is of paramount importance.
“They listened very carefully to what the dog handler had to say and took on board the safety messages.
“I am sure that in future they will avoid stroking dogs when they are asleep or eating, and approach dogs gently and only after asking the owner’s permission.”
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