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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE��

Triple-I’s California Press Office: Janet Ruiz, 707-490-9365, janetr@iii.org������

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Media Advisory:

�������� SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 11, 2022—The �������� Information Institute (Triple-I) will participate in a on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 2:30 p.m., ET, to discuss the pandemic’s impact on pets and how to reduce dog biting incidents.

Triple-I today is joining the April 10-16, 2022) Coalition on an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) panel which will include the following individuals:

• —Amber Batteiger, Disaster/Cruelty Response
• —, President
• , Veterinary Behaviorist
• —Heather Paul, Specialist, Public Affairs
• —Celebrity Dog Trainer, Founder, Victoria Stilwell Academy
• �հ��������-��—Janet Ruiz, Director, Strategic Communication

, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and radio host, will serve as the panel’s moderator.

The Coalition panelists also will offer safety and training tips for socializing dogs; provide information on how to support animal shelters and rescues struggling due to a lack of financial resources; and share dog bite-related injury insurance claims data for 2021.

“In 2021, the nationwide number of dog bite-related injury claims was 17,989, a 2.2 increase from 2020, with the total cost of claims at $881.8 million and the average cost��per claim of $49,025. The average cost per claim decreased in 2021 for the first time in 10 years, by 1.1 percent from 2020,” stated Janet Ruiz, Director, Strategic Communication, Triple-I.�� “California, Florida and Texas had the highest number of claims. Education and training for owners and pets is the key to keeping everyone safe and healthy.”

Triple-I offers these four tips to reduce the likelihood of a dog-biting incident:

1. Be a responsible parent
2. Socialize your dog
3. Teach your kids the basics about dog safety
4. Know your dog’s triggers of aggression (e.g., loud noises)

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RELATED LINKS:

Infographic:���� National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Videos: ����������������

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The Triple-I has a full library of educational videos on its .