What to Do When You Meet a Dog Without an Owner
Following the dog attack on children in Carnikava, it has been stressed that owners' responsibility cannot be taken for granted. Both children and adults should know how to behave when meeting an unsupervised dog.
The recent dog attack on children in Carnikava has once again shown that it is not safe to rely on every dog owner acting responsibly or on every dog being well trained.
Knowing the right way to act when encountering a dog without an owner is therefore useful not only for children but also for adults. In such a situation, it is important to stay calm and understand how to react in order to reduce the risk.
Why this matters
The Carnikava attack is a reminder that an encounter with an unattended dog can happen at any moment, whether on the street, in a yard or in a place where people walk. There is not always someone nearby who could stop or control the animal.
What to pay attention to
The central message is that preparedness matters for every age group. It is worthwhile to teach children how to behave around an unfamiliar dog, while adults should know how to help themselves and children if an unsupervised animal appears nearby.
Detailed advice on exactly how to act is provided in the LSM publication, from which only a short introduction is available.
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