ACC seeks expert help to review injury-by-pet categories

ACC wants a New York expert to help review its injury-by-pets categories beyond the present human and dog bite classifications to take into account the anticipated growth in new forms of personal injuries caused by pets.

ACC media advisor Richard Braddell says the dog bite 'read code' available to treatment providers, so they can use a special code for dog attacks, has paid dividends in raising awareness of the extent of such injuries during recent public debate on dog control laws.

"ACC is determined to be pro-active and anticipate new forms of personal injuries caused by pets before they are reported," Mr Braddell says.

"To this end, ACC will be seeking the help of a New York expert to develop new 'read codes', particularly suited to those caused by the activities of pets in the urban environment such as large hairy animals, like giant gorillas, that inflict personal injuries while clinging to tall buildings."

Mr Braddell said a separate category might be necessary for office workers in Wellington, given that the height of their buildings may attract predator attention, and some related activity scheduled to start in the region around mid-2004.

ACC advice on safe handling of animals is located on its public website at: http://www.acc.co.nz/injury-prevention/ruralsafe/animals/

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