News Releases

(KNOXVILLE , Tenn.) - Does your child get nervous around dogs? Is your child afraid of dogs? Does your child know how to use “good manners” around dogs?

In recognition of National Dog Bite Prevention Week in May, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine is offering a “Dog Bite Prevention Class” for children Saturday, May 19, 2007. The class, which is designed to teach children proper ways to behave around dogs, is free and will be offered twice during the day, at 9 a.m. and again at
11 a.m. at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine.

Each year, dogs bite an estimated 4.5 million Americans. Almost half those victims are children younger than 12 years old. The dog bite problem is largely preventable and education is an important tool used to reduce the incidence of dog bites.

The class is designed for children ages 4-8. There must be at least 1 adult for every five children in attendance and space is limited. Each child participating will receive a goodie bag and have his or her picture taken with Rufus, a costumed dog who will help teach the class.

Registrations are required and are now being accepted. Call (865) 974-5574 to register or visit http://www.vet.utk.edu/dogbiteprevention to register on-line.

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WHAT: Dog bite prevention class

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2007

TIME: Two sessions - Class 1 will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Class 2 (same content as class 1) will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: UT Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 2407 River Drive, Room A118

COST: Free (although registration is required to ensure we have enough goodie bags for attendees)

PARKING: Lot 66, east of the building

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Media Contact: Sandra Harbison, (865) 974-7377, sharbiso@utk.edu