CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Cincinnati Animal CARE is urging parents to prioritize dog and child safety following a tragic incident in Roselawn where police say a 3-year-old girl was fatally attacked by dogs.
The Cincinnati Police Department is continuing its investigation into the attack, which occurred on Friday, and at this point they have not released the circumstances surrounding it.
Cincinnati Animal CARE says it currently has three dogs in custody related to the case, though their exact involvement in the attack remains unclear.
Beth Ward, Chief Dog Warden for Hamilton County says they have some reminders for parents who are also pet owners.
“Do not leave your children unsupervised with your dog no matter how long you’ve known the dog.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that children are more likely than adults to be bitten by dogs.
Meaghan Colville, Director of Cincinnati Animal CARE says even a trusted family dog should be watched closely.
“It can go wrong really quickly with any dog, even a dog that’s been in the home for, since it’s a puppy, for eight years,” Colville said.
Ward explained that children are at risk because they often cannot interpret a dog’s body language.
“One of the biggest things that can happen is that a child approaches a dog inappropriately,” she said. “They’re right at that face level; they’re staring at the dog. The dog might take that as a challenge or they may be afraid themselves, so they’re going to protect themselves, and you end up with a bite.”
Ward encourages parents to teach their children the WAIT acronym for interacting with dogs:
- W- Watch the dog to see if it is with its owner and appears friendly;
- A- Ask if you can pet the dog
- I- Invite the dog to come to you
- T- Touch the dog on its side or back.
She also noted that a growl is a clear sign a dog is unhappy, and other signs of discomfort include a dog leaning away, averting its gaze, or licking its lips, which can indicate anxiety.
For families considering adding a dog to their household, Ward encourages them to ask these questions.
“Am I ready to take an animal into my home? Am I prepared to manage that situation in my house so I can keep the dog comfortable as well as the children comfortable and safe?”
The three dogs involved in the Roselawn case are currently in a 10-day bite quarantine at Cincinnati Animal CARE. Police are still determining whether charges will be filed. In severe bite cases resulting in death, euthanasia is typically recommended, according to Cincinnati Animal CARE staff.
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