Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has released a children’s film it commissioned in response to a worrying increase in the number of dog attacks in the UK.

The world-famous animal charity has created a seven minute animated film for five to eleven year olds – the age group most at risk of attacks – to help children better understand dogs, and stay safe in their company.

NHS statistics show that admissions to hospitals due to dog attacks have increased 29% in the last five years, with just under a quarter of the victims under the age of 14.

The alarming figures reveal that four children every day are being admitted to hospital from dog related incidents, a number Battersea believes could be significantly reduced through a greater awareness of dogs basic body language and habits.

Dee McIntosh, the charity’s Director of Communications explains: “Battersea is gravely concerned by the high number of dog attacks on children, many of which could be avoided through a better understanding of dogs’ basic body language and habits.

"If young boys and girls understand what makes dogs tick, they’ll have a much better chance of not getting hurt, and will feel a lot more confident in encountering these animals.

"Our short animated film, which is free to download from our website, lets the dogs do the talking and with its fun canine characters we think it’ll appeal to this at risk age group.”

Welcoming the film, Animal Welfare Minister Lord Henley said: “Dogs are still a man’s best friend. This is a great educational video to help children understand and relate properly to dogs so there is less chance of being accidently hurt or frightened.”

The Battersea film is narrated by a whole host of colourful dog characters, including Winston the British Bulldog and Juanita the Chihuahua, who talk about their everyday experiences with children, encouraging young viewers to consider things from a dog’s point of view.

Its lead character, Bat the dog is voiced by comedian and TV presenter Alex Zane, who was himself a victim of a dog attack when he was a child.

He says: “Ever since I got my own cat Holly from Battersea cats home, I've realised the important work they do for the welfare of animals. Helping to raise awareness of the right way to treat both cats and dogs was something I was very happy to be involved in.

"Having been attacked by a dog myself when I was 9 and still to this day being slightly nervous of them, anything I can do to help prevent others having a similar experience I think is very worthwhile.”

Ali Taylor has worked at the animal welfare charity for over 18 years and heads up its specialist Canine Welfare Training.

She explains: “All too often people misinterpret what dogs are saying to us. Unlike humans, dogs can’t talk or tell us what they feel, so they use body language to communicate.

"Whether it’s a family pet or a dog you don’t know, Battersea’s new film aims to teach children to be more thoughtful when they are around dogs, like not approaching a dog you don’t know.”

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home gives a second chance in life to 11,000 lost, abandoned or neglected dogs and cats every year and receives no government funding. Last year it gave educational talks to over 6000 visitors and visited around 150 schools and communities to explain the need for more responsible pet ownership and safety around dogs.

Sarah Kemp runs St John’s and St Clement’s Primary School in Peckham and comments: "As a headteacher of a primary which recently had a child attacked by a dog, I think this Battersea video is an excellent way of teaching children to stay safe when interacting with dogs. I will definitely be using it in my school."

View the film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhV3YIR3q1A