Cops Offer Dog Safety Tips After Bite

After a recent dog bite incident that occurred at earlier this month, Patch spoke to the to learn how to keep yourself and your children safe from a loose dog. 

The department provided the following advice:

As an adult, if you are approached by a loose dog you should:

• Stay calm.
• Stand tall with your arms at your side and do not make eye contact with the dog who may see this as a challenge.
• If you have something in your hands drop it, the dog may be interested in it.
• If you stay still and avoid eye contact, the dog may realize you are not a threat and lose interest in you.
• Never run from a dog, which will instinctively chase you.

For Children:

• The most important tip to remember is a young child should never be left alone with any dog.
• Teach children not to run or scream if approached by a strange dog.
• They should stay calm, stand still and avoid eye contact.
• Don’t approach a dog who is sleeping, eating or drinking.

If you are bitten by a dog, seek emergency treatment and contact the police department from the jurisdiction the bite occurred.

The Middletown Animal Control officer, Joseph Nunes, is available at number  (401) 842-6500 x 7101