KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) says staff investigated 8 animal bites last weekend alone. Seven were dog bites and one was from a cat.
In 2024, they investigated 685 animal exposure incidents and 109 required rabies vaccination. So far in 2025, staff have investigated 334 incidents (40% dog bites, 20% cat bite/scratches, 5 % bat exposures and remaining 35% is a variety of animals including raccoons, livestock, etc.)
Incidents range from scratches and minor bites to severe and traumatic attacks that resulted in loss of fingers, ears, nose and other injuries requiring surgery according to health officials.
“We usually see a sharp increase in biting incidents starting in the spring and throughout the summer. There is also an increase during holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc.” Manager of Environmental Health HKPR, Richard Ovcharovich told Kawartha 411 News.
Ovcharovich says never leave young children alone with an animal, even if it’s a pet. Children may not know better and start to rile or incite even friendly animals to act out and attack.
“In a manner of seconds, an animal can bite, scratch or attack a person leading to severe, long-lasting physical and emotional trauma.” says Ovcharovich.
He added:
- You can’t always tell if an animal is friendly. Do not pet animals you don’t know. Not all animals want to be petted.
- It’s best not to approach or try petting the animal without the owner’s approval, full attention and direction.
- Never touch or play with any wild or stray animals. Especially their babies.
- A yellow ribbon is a sign to others to give your pet space. If you see a pet with a yellow ribbon, please respect the yellow ribbon and keep back
For pet owners:
If you have pets, it’s best to keep them indoors at night, don’t let them run free, and remember to keep all of their vaccinations up-to-date. Keeping your pet safe and healthy will help keep your family safe and healthy too.
The health unit is part of the Yellow Ribbon Campaign which is based on an international movement known as the “Yellow Dog Project” created for dogs that need space. By tying a yellow ribbon or something similar to the dog’s leash you are indicating that this dog needs space, for whatever reason.
The campaign aims to increase awareness about the sharp and steady increase in animal bites in our communities and offers a way to identify when dogs need their space.
It highlights yellow as the colour of caution, which identifies when dogs need their space and reduces potential bites or scratches if someone gets too close. Simply put: see yellow on a pet, give the animal space!
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