SCHOOLS and parents must ensure that children know how to be safe around dogs and other animals, says a Gwent MP.

New figures have revealed that around 114 children are admitted to hospital every year in Wales with serious injuries caused by dogs.

Islwyn MP Chris Evans’ comments coincide with the publication of the Child Death Review Programme’s annual report, which looks at a pilot programme launched in last spring on the approach taken around deaths of children from dog attacks.

The report emphasised the importance of socialisation of dogs from a young age, and highlighted the opportunities to educate parents and dog owners on the danger posed by leaving a baby or young child alone with a dog.

Mr Evans has campaigned heavily on the issue of dangerous dogs after he was attacked through a letterbox while delivering leaflets in October 2010.

“Dogs can enrich your life and are seen as part of the family. But innocent behaviour by a child can be interpreted differently by a dog,” he said.

“We all know it is important to never leave a baby or child unsupervised with a dog, even for a few seconds.”However, I think children should also be taught how to act around dogs and other animals by their parents and at school, to help avoid attacks.

“Just a few simple lessons on what to do and what not to do around dogs and other pets could help to reduce this shocking statistic.”