SUNSHINE Coast Council will be providing valuable tips on pet ownership and safety from July 3-9 as part of their Dog Safety Week. On offer will be information sessions at libraries and pop-up stalls in the community.
Council has created a valuable variety of teaching tools and resources to encourage responsible pet ownership messages for families and educators.
Programs are designed to create a safe and harmonious co-existence between people, pets, and places.
During Dog Safety Week, Council is holding several responsible pet pop-ups and library sessions, and these will help dog owners understand their responsibilities, including walking on a leash, entering an off-leash park, and sharing space.
It’s also important to teach children how to feel safe around dogs and the four steps to greeting a dog.
Four steps to greeting a dog:
1. Ask your parent or guardian if you could pat the dog
2. Ask the dog owner “Can I please pat your dog?”
3. Let the dog come to you first; keep your hand low and in a fist to sniff
4. Pat the dog gently on the back or shoulder
It is important to remind children that some dogs are nervous and don’t like pats and they should never pat a dog that is tied up and alone.
Over the past 12 months, there has been a 40 per cent decrease in dog attacks on children under 12 years reported to Council. Council is dedicated to instilling valuable pet lessons at a young age, to further reduce the number of dog attacks in our community.
Bookings for Sunshine Coast Council Dog Safety Week library sessions are essential. To book visit library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search “For kids and families”.
Library Sessions
Tuesday, July 4, 9.30-10.15 am – Caloundra Library session
Wednesday, July 5, 9.30-10.15 am – Maroochydore Library session
Thursday, July 6, 9.30-10.15 am – Beerwah Library session
Friday, July 7, 9.30-10.15 am – Coolum Library session
Responsible Pet Pop-ups
Wednesday 5 July, 3–5 pm – Sippy Downs Dog Park, Sippy Downs
Friday 7 July, 7 am–9 am – Glenfields Neighbourhood Park, Glenfields Boulevard, Mountain Creek
Saturday 8 July, 3–5 pm – Quota Hideaway Park, 31 Cootamundra Drive, Mountain Creek