Animal bites in the Northumberland area have been on the rise over the past five years.
Richard Ovcharovich , manager of Environmental Health with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit said the number of animal bites are going “through the roof”.
He said getting bit isn’t good for both you and the animal.
He said he’s seen some bad injuries, even from family pets.
He advised that everyone should be careful around animals, including pets, and to admire wild animals from a safe distance.
Ovcharovich also wanted to remind the public about the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, an international project that helps to let people know about pets that should not be approached for various reasons. He said he hopes to spread awareness of the campaign locally so people will know that if they see a yellow ribbon tied to an animal’s leash or collar, it means to leave that animal alone.
If you do get bit or scratched by an animal, please call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006, or visit www.hkpr.on.ca
(Written by Lee McConnell)
