September 29, 1998
To:Board of Health
From:Dr. Sheela Basrur, Medical Officer of Health
Subject:Domestic Pet Public Education Programs
Purpose :
This report examines the role of Toronto Public Heath in educating the public in regards to
bite prevention and the responsibilities of owning and caring for a pet in the City of Toronto.
Source of Funds:
The monies to fund limited educational programs are provided for in the Toronto Animal
Services budget. Possible additional sources of funding for expanded programs are discussed
in this report.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that:
(1)the Board of Health receive this report for information; and
(2)Toronto Animal Services continue to provide the current level of service with respect to
domestic pet public education programs pending a review and resolution of related
amalgamation issues.
Background:
Considerable media attention has been focused recently on several serious dog biting
incidents in Toronto. These have resulted in a range of proposed solutions from the public,
including the banning of specific breeds responsible for the biting incidents and educating the
public on the care and training of their pets. At its meeting of July 6, 1998, the Board of
Health received a report from the Medical Officer of Health which proposed a harmonized
Animal Care and Control By-law for the City of Toronto. A number of deputants at the
meeting suggested that a city-wide education program on the importance of proper training
and handling of dogs would contribute significantly to a reduction in the number of dog biting
incidents.
This report addresses the role of Toronto Public Health in providing such educational
programs to the public and proposes possible funding options.
Comments:
The majority of dog bites on humans are a result of miscommunication and misunderstanding
between the dog and the victim. More than half of the bites occur on the dog owner's or other
private property, and the majority of victims had prior contact with the dog before the biting
incident. A large number of dog owners obtain a dog knowing little about the breed or the
dog's temperament, inherent tendencies or specific needs. Dogs require attention, regular
exercise and obedience training. Without this they may develop behavioural problems and
aggressive tendencies. Dogs are also subject to behavioural changes caused by illness or
stressful situations, which can result in aggressive behaviour even in otherwise calm and
docile dogs. Small children may taunt or tease the dog, or try to take away its food or toy,
resulting in injury to the child. In many cases, increased knowledge on the owner's and/or the
victim's part could have prevented this behaviour.
The educational programs currently being delivered across the city by Toronto Animal
Services are shown in Table 1. A number of private animal organizations also offer general
education programs in responsible pet ownership, safety around animals and dog bite
prevention with staff trained by their organizations. These programs are funded through their
budgets and by donations from the public. Following the adoption and implementation of the
business plan of Toronto Animal Services, staff currently delivering education programs in a
number of the former municipalities will be utilized throughout the city to support additional
educational initiatives in the schools and the community. The educational programs will target
three specific groups:
(1)Children in the school system;
(2)Dog owners and potential dog owners; and
(3)Groups of people who may be regularly confronted by dogs (letter carriers, etc.).
Educational components of the program may include:
(1)the importance of licensing a dog with the city;
(2)the importance of spaying/neutering the dog, which results in significant health benefits
for the pet, reduces aggressive behaviour and addresses the pet overpopulation crisis;
(3)the unique physical and behavioural characteristics of various breeds of dogs;
(4)the importance of proper veterinary care and obedience training and their role in ensuring
that their pet is a valued member of their family and welcomed in the community;
(5)information on how to approach a dog; and
(6)defensive actions and reactions to help prevent dog bites.
The education program will be offered as follows:
(1)Children in schools
Since the safety of children is of primary concern and since children often assume that every
animal is friendly, an appropriate audio-visual bite prevention program should be made
available to every classroom in Toronto. Toronto Animal Services will seek sponsorship from
other non-profit and private organizations toward the development and distribution of such
materials. This initiative falls within the provincial government's recently released school
curriculum for Public Health Education Program, specifically as it relates to that program's "
Personal Safety and Injury Prevention Program". Toronto Animal Services will contact and
work with the school boards in order to provide a partnered and consistent approach to the
content and delivery of such programs.
The audio-visual program would be supported by school visits from animal services staff
and/or by visits of student groups to the local animal centre.
(2)Dog owners and potential dog owners
Many of the problems encountered with dogs are the result of owners who have failed to
properly train their dogs, and those who are unaware of the responsibilities of dog ownership.
Toronto Animal Services will co-ordinate a public outreach program that will include:
(a)Information, tours and education sessions based at the existing Animal Centre educational
facilities;
(b)Visits to community groups and events by animal services and education officers;
(c)Distribution of information pamphlets for pet owners and prospective pet owners;
(d)Regular articles and presentations in local media; and
(e)Information kiosks at special events around the city.
(3)Groups who may be confronted by dogs
Toronto Animal Services will develop information pamphlets supported by information
sessions for letter carriers, police officers, etc.
Possible sources of funding for the programs to be explored are:
(a)Contributions from the public;
(b)Appropriate business sponsors such as pet shops and pet food companies;
(c)Budget items within the Toronto Public Health;
(d)A portion of dog licencing fees collected by the city; and
(e)Local veterinary services.
Further work is required by Toronto Animal Services in order to identify reputable pet food
stores and companies and veterinarians who would be willing to partake in such a program.
As well as a standard budget item, an account would be created in which any contributions
from the public and a portion of dog licence revenues would be used for the education
program.
Conclusions:
It is important that dog owners understand the history, quality and temperament of the dogs
they choose to own. Once provided with appropriate information, the prospective dog owner
will be in a better position to choose the type of pet that is best suited for the environment. As
well the owner will have a better understanding of their pet's needs and the legal requirements
that are inherent with pet ownership. Education programs such as outlined in this report will
provide children and adults with the knowledge and skills related to dealing with dogs.
The implementation of a program as discussed in this report will not completely solve the
problem of animal/ human confrontations but should assist in reducing their numbers and help
make our new city a safer one in which to work, live and play. Toronto Animal Services staff
are committed to live up to our mission, "to promote and support a harmonious environment
where humans and animals can co-exist free from conditions that adversely affect their health
and safety".
Contact Name:
Dan Petreman, Supervisor, East York Animal Centre
Toronto Animal Services
Tel :396-2808
Fax :750-4986
Dr. Sheela Basrur
Medical Officer of Health
TABLE #1
Existing Handling/ Care of Domestic Pets Education Programs
in the New City of Toronto
Municipal Animal Centres
