39% of children in the South East who have been bitten by a dog were playing with it at the time.

That’s according to new research from a group of animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust.

Eight charities are working together under the umbrella of the Pet Education Partnership to raise awareness of dog safety.

They all recommend that children should never be left alone with a pet.

Despite this, 70% of children in the South East reported being left alone with their pet at least once a week as part of the survey.

A special webinar on pet safety will take place tomorrow at 4pm via Eventbrite under the pet education partnership.

Dogs Trust also teaches children the ABCs of being a dog’s best friend, which addresses behaviours that often precede a dog bite.