Protect Your Cat and Dog From a Common Household Device

Protect Your Cat and Dog From a Common Household Device

With a growing number of Americans concerned about identity theft and privacy issues, many are now using paper shredders to deal with mounting paperwork. Newer models are even equipped with enough mincing power to destroy CD’s.

Tragically, however, the addition of paper shredders to home offices has led to startling and grisly injuries inflicted on companion animals. In nearly all of the heartbreaking instances, curious dogs and cats stuck probing tongues into the openings, causing the slicing mechanism to activate. Unfortunately, it’s rare that these poor creatures survive the resulting injuries. 

Thankfully, you have the power to prevent this from happening to your dog or cat and prioritize their safety.

Instead of leaving your shredder set on “automatic” - operating only when something is fed into it - simply switch the device to the “off” position.  Or shut the door to the room where the device is located, denying your companion animal access to the room. Or, better yet, unplug the device while it’s not in use. Then, you’ll never have to worry about the position of the switch or the potential of horrible mutilations. 

There you have it. Let's keep our furry friends safe!


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Comments (3) -

  • Amelia

    9/29/2009 5:37:45 PM |

    Wow!  I don't use a paper shredder myself but as the owner of a pet sitting service, I will value this advice.  Pets left alone tend to explore more.  The paper shredder could appear very attractive to them when it is in the standby position and no one is there to shoo them away.

    Thank you for this prevention tip!

    Living in the moment,
    animal lover Amelia

  • Laurel LaFlamme

    3/25/2010 11:47:59 AM |

    I could only imagine how horrible that would be. Thanks ever so much for the warning!

  • Ginny Pizzichemi

    1/21/2011 3:45:37 AM |

    Thankyou so much for sharing this with pet households! When I bought mine all I could think of was my cocker spaniels long ears, It's such a horrifying thought, so I keep it unplugged. I hope that many, many people read your advice, but I will also pass it around! Thankyou!

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