Press Releases

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:  Angela Speed
 (414) 431-6104  aspeed@wihumane.org

Baby Chihuahua Breaks Leg in Preventable Accident
WHS reminds parents to keep animals safe around children

MILWAUKEE – Little Luke was so looking forward to romping around in the fresh green grass. The joys of summer are not lost on this observant, curious Chihuahua! He’s only 3 months old and this time period for a young pup is critical to discovering new things, forming social bonds and developing a foundation for learning. So, it’s quite a shame that Little Luke broke his front leg and even more discouraging to learn that the accident could have been prevented.

The Wisconsin Humane Society urges people, especially parents of young children, to keep safety a priority when handling animals. Smaller breed dogs are more fragile than larger dogs; they are often prone to fracturing bones when falling or even jumping from high surfaces. Little Luke simply fell off a windowsill, but the fall shattered his leg. Please consider following these tips to keep your companion animals safe around children and the bustling activities of summer!

• Always supervise children around animals. Children can easily scare their furry friends with their quick and jerky movements, high-pitched squeals and general roughness. Ensure that your animal has a choice to leave the area if he's uncomfortable and teach children how to behave appropriately around animals.

• Remove potential hazards such as power cords, window blind cords, potted plants, children’s toys, coins, batteries and shoes. Outside, keep your animals away from cocoa mulch, toxic plants and fertilizers.

• Move treasured and fragile objects to higher ground. Furry tails have a way of sweeping a coffee table clean.

• Get on your hands and knees—at the animal’s view—to look for potential dangers. If you think an item could be a hazard, remove it. Don’t underestimate the curiosity of your pal!

• Bring your dogs indoors. Dogs left unsupervised outside for significant amounts of time become bored and may bark or whine incessantly, frustrating kids playing outside or attracting unwanted attention. Bring your dogs indoors and provide treat-dispensing toys or other activities that challenge them both physically and mentally.

• Teach your children respect and compassion for animals. Check out more tips on introducing kids to animals, preventing dog bites and handling animals properly at www.wihumane.org.

If your kids really love animals, think about signing up for Camp Critter! Camp Critter is a three-day summer camp for kids ages 8 to 11. There will be a variety of activities throughout the day including crafts, games, a tour of the shelter and a chance to meet some of the animal guests at WHS. Kids will be introduced to basic animal handling, too! Check out the available dates and register online at www.wihumane.org or call Dezarae Jones Hartwig at 414-431-6159 for information.

Interview/Photo Op: Luke will be available for filming on Tuesday, May 13 from 10-12 Noon. Please contact Angela Speed at 414.431.6104 to schedule an interview.