Local hospitals reported more than 1,000 people were injured or bitten by pet animals during the Spring Festival holidays. Most were women and children.

In recent years, pet-related injuries have been increasing during the holidays, according to doctors.

During the festive season, many people go to hospital suffering from digestive diseases from overeating, burns due to fireworks, cardiac vascular ailments after drinking alcohol and motion injuries such as falling.

Medical experts attributed pets' attack to the changing weather, frequent visitors and noise from fireworks.

A doctor at Changning District Central Hospital said he received three female patients on Monday, all bitten by dogs. The patients reported their pets had became frightened and irritable after hearing noises from fireworks while taking a walk.

"My dog yelped and ran all around. When I tried to carry it in my arms, it suddenly bit me," said a woman named Zhang.

She visited the hospital for treatment immediately.

Doctors warned that people who are bitten by animals should go to a district-based disease prevention and control center for wound sterilization and a vaccination within 24 hours.

"No local people have suffered from rabies in the past two years," said Li Yanting, director of the epidemic department of the Shanghai Disease Prevention and Control Center.

"In the 1990s, when about 50,000 people were reported suffering from dog attacks, we required locals to arouse awareness to its seriousness."

According to the Shanghai Small Animal Protection Association, there are more than 1 million pets in the city, mainly dogs and cats.

Currently, the city is home to about 100,000 registered dogs, while those unlicensed may reach as many as 500,000.

(eastday.com February 2, 2004)