CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 9, 2000–According to the Humane Society of the United States, almost 3 million children were victims of dog bites last year.
In addition, there are an estimated 675,000 cat bites annually. In fact more children suffer from animal inflicted injuries than from all the childhood diseases combined. Surprisingly, most of these attacks were from household or neighborhood pets. These statistics have prompted the creation of a new video that teaches kids how to be safe with dogs and cats.
“Dogs, Cats & Kids” was created and produced by Donald Manelli, an award-winning filmmaker and former writer of “mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom,” the popular animal/adventure series starring Marlin Perkins. “Dogs, Cats, & Kids” features Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, an internationally known pet behavior consultant.
Dr. Hunthausen demonstrates key safety tips for children, including: 1) how to handle and play with pets; 2) how to read dog and cat body language and danger signs; and 3) what to do when threatened by stray animals. With lots of appealing animals and humorous sequences, this video, targeted toward children ages 5 to 12, teaches respect for animals without creating fear.
The video has earned rave reviews from the experts, and recommendations from the major companion animal groups, including the Humane Society of the United States. Dr. Randal Lockwood, training initiatives director of the Humane Society of the United States said, “With the alarming number of children being treated for bite and scratch injuries each year, this video provides one of the most important public health messages available, in a way that children enjoy. My eight-year-old liked it so much she rewound it to watch it again.”
Steve Dale, nationally syndicated pet columnist, calls the video “required viewing for all families with young children – whether they own a pet or not.”
Dr. Hunthausen notes, “Most attacks can be avoided if kids are taught simple safety techniques. Yet, there were no materials on the market to educate children. We developed our video to reach out to young people in a format that they would understand.”
Information on how to order the “Dogs Cats & Kids” video available at 800/611-2734.
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