Will Connecticut Teachers be Required to Cover Dog Bite Prevention?

They will be if Connecticut legislators are successful in adding dog bite and animal cruelty prevention to the states curriculum.  Animal control officers, such as Jimmy Gonzales, believe that preventing both dog attacks and animal cruelty are not being taught at home.  In fact, he too often hears children talk about how their parents or relatives punch, kick or otherwise abuse the family dog. 

Because of this, and because of the danger of aggressive dogs and the number of dog attacks in the state, Gonzales and Rep. Brenda Kupchick hope to get the message of animal safety out to all of the states children. 

 Proponents believe that learning about the proper treatment of animals, along with the best ways to prevent a dog attack, will help keep the children and animals of Connecticut safe.  For example, Gonzales says that nearly every child he speaks in to the schools believes that the best thing to do when confronted by an aggressive dog is to run.  However, running is the worst thing a child can do.  Instead, dog safety experts recommend standing as still as possible with hands placed on the chest and chin tucked in, avoiding all eye contact with the dog. 

What do you think?  Should the bill pass?  Should children learn animal safety along with reading, writing and arithmetic? 

At the personal injury law firm of Glass, Lebovitz, Kasheta & Bren we have seen the devastating effects that a dog bite or attack can have on a child.  If you or your child have been attacked or bitten please seek medical attention and then do not hesitate to contact an experienced Conn. dog bite lawyer for your free consultation.