LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim May 20-26, 2012, as Dog Bite Awareness Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official
weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 20-26, 2012, as Dog Bite
Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Dog Bite Awareness Month which is hosted by the Ameri-
can Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA); and
WHEREAS, Every year, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the
United States and it is children, mostly between the ages of five and
nine, who are the most common victims, followed by senior citizens who
are the second most common dog bite victims; and
WHEREAS, 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites
each year; children are more likely to be severely injured and approxi-
mately 400,000 receive medical attention every year; and
WHEREAS, Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday
activities such as interacting with familiar dogs; in victims younger
than 18 years old, the family dog inflicts 30 percent of all dog bites,
and a neighbor's dog is responsible for another 50 percent of these
bites; and
WHEREAS, There are a number of things one can do to avoid dog bites,
ranging from properly training and socializing dogs, to educating chil-
dren on how, or if, they should approach a dog; and
WHEREAS, Owners should carefully select their dogs; puppies should not
be obtained on impulse; owners should also make sure their dog is
socialized as a young puppy so it feels at ease around people and other
animals; it is crucial to not put a dog in a position where it feels
threatened or teased; and
WHEREAS, Owners should train their dogs; the basic commands "sit,"
"stay," "no," and "come" help dogs understand what is expected of them
and can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of trust
between pets and people; and
WHEREAS, Walking and exercising are also important in keeping dogs
both healthy and providing them mental stimulation; one should avoid
highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war, and one should use
a leash in public to ensure control of a dog at all times; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, vaccination against rabies and preventable
infectious diseases is essential; parasite control and other health care
are important because how a dog feels affects how it behaves; it is also
very important to neuter one's dog; and
WHEREAS, People should be cautious around strange dogs, and treat
their own with respect; since children are the most common victims of
dog bites, parents and caregivers should never leave a baby or small
child alone with a dog; and
WHEREAS, It is vital to teach children, including toddlers, to be
careful around dogs; children must be taught not to approach strange
dogs or try to pet them through fences; and
WHEREAS, Adults should teach children to ask permission from the dog's
owner before petting the dog; veterinarians recognize that, while there
are 72 million good dogs in the United States, any dog can bite if it is
frightened or feels threatened, even the family pet; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to urge all New
Yorkers to learn the right and the wrong way to interact with dogs and
to start early in educating children about safety around dogs, even if
one does not own a dog; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase knowledge and
attentiveness at both the State and local levels to support and protect
the people of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 20-26, 2012, as Dog
Bite Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.