Executive Summary and Recommendations

The research investigated the issues involving dog attacks on children, specifically by dogs known to the child. The report identifies the circumstances and conditions which may result in an attack by a family dog. This report provides research-based recommendations to reduce the incidence and severity of dog attacks on children. To accomplish this objective a qualitative approach was applied, including examination of both New Zealand and overseas research on this issue. The methods employed to achieve the objectives included an examination of the available literature pertaining primarily to dog behaviour and child development. Other approaches comprised meetings with expert informants, an investigation into relevant New Zealand statistics, an examination of media articles, self-selected interviews and findings from questionnaires that were distributed to selected veterinary clinics throughout our target area. The Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions were selected as base for the research due to monetary and time restraints. The fmdings from the above methodologies were analysed to provide the basis and support for the following recommendations