Should all dogs be muzzled when out in public?

Person_one

lostinrates wrote: »

Thank goodness someone understands what I am saying and concerned about.

I know, it does worry me. I don't know that I could in good conscience have a dog if I could never let it run free, socialise and play uninhibited with other dogs. It would be like having a bird or a rabbit and never letting it out of its cage.

lostinrates

Person_one wrote: »

I know, it does worry me. I don't know that I could in good conscience have a dog if I could never let it run free, socialise and play uninhibited with other dogs. It would be like having a bird or a rabbit and never letting it out of its cage.

We had a rescue rabbit once, It free ranged with the dogs and cats when ever we were home, and went for walks in the field with the dogs. The were very lucky it bonded very strongly with one of the dogs and never ran off. I'd not have a rabbit again ( and didn't choose to have him) because I think they are very hard to provide for ethically ( company, somewhere to borrow, social life, enough space to play...).

I worry about the trend for back yard poultry keeping, often in less space than commercial birds get and inadauqate worming etc.


Just like you, I fear ethical options for dog owning in the future.

nikki702

No I don't see why my dog should be muzzled in public, he is not aggressive, he avoids people and other dogs, he don't eat bones off the floor.

System

Should all dogs be muzzled when out in public?

What have my dogs done to you or anyone for that matter?

My dogs are never off the lead one dog is a born wanderer following her nose at every oportunity, the other dog prefers the security of the lead, she whimpers like a baby if we take it off.

wilykit

I agree it would be nice to let dogs off their lead to run about and play, but to be honest it is other people that I don't trust either. I've had dogs off-lead run up to my dog and show aggression which is what I cannot stand - irresponsible owners.

Because my dog's recall is non existent and training classes didn't help (Bull Terriers need strong training from pups apparently), I bought a horse training lead which is about 5 metres long and I take him on the park across the road from me on that. Ok it isn't the same as letting him off lead, but it is the next best thing and allows him to play and run about with other friendly dogs

My dog can be quite skittish - he's scared of plastic bags and boxes, and some noises can startle him so I would not want him off the lead for that reason also, I'd be scared he ran into the road.

mountainofdebt

no....

Children are far more likely to get hurt from the idiots who think nothing of leaving smashed glass around the place

Must admit though one of the funniest sights I saw was someone throwing a ball for a muzzled dog who run up to it, nuzzled it and then decided to walk away!

catkins

I have had 2 dogs attacked by other dogs when my dog was onlead so in some ways I think it would be a good idea.


The first dog that was attacked (by a Labrador) went from being a friendly dog that loved all other dogs and would play with dogs from tiny yorkies to a newfoundland to a dog that was very wary of other dogs and hated Labradors. I ended up having to muzzle my dog in case he decided to have a go at another dog - he never did but I wanted him to be able to run around offlead and just could not chance it especially if there were any labs around and there are lots near me.


I got a lot of nasty comments about the muzzle and people would cross the road to avoid us which used to upset me. If all dogs were muzzled people would think nothing of it. Although I guess even if it were made law the idiot dog owners would ignore it


I do think the day may well come when dogs do have to be muzzled in public. This country seems to be coming more intolerant of dogs, unlike lots of Europe.


There are quite a few parks now who do not allow dogs offlead at all - I believe it is becoming quite common in London parks and more and more places banning dogs.


The caf! in my local park which for years allowed people with dogs to sit outside has recently been made to ban them by the local council because of 1 complaint. Yes, definitely only 1 complaint as I know a local councillor (who as a dog owner is furious about it). They are losing custom as lots of dog owners would go for a drink and often a meal. In bad weather about 90% of their customers were people with dogs. Me and OH will definitely not visit there again

Person_one

I don't understand why you'd be upset that people avoid a dog wearing a muzzle, surely that's sensible and best for everybody? I tend to give them a wide berth if I'm out with mine. I assume that its likely to be a sign that the dog is not friendly and would probably appreciate other dogs keeping their distance and not getting into its space.

Its possible that its muzzled for reasons other than aggression, but that's the most common in my experience.

catkins

Person_one wrote: »

I don't understand why you'd be upset that people avoid a dog wearing a muzzle, surely that's sensible and best for everybody? I tend to give them a wide berth if I'm out with mine. I assume that its likely to be a sign that the dog is not friendly and would probably appreciate other dogs keeping their distance and not getting into its space.

Its possible that its muzzled for reasons other than aggression, but that's the most common in my experience.

Because he still loved people and children and some people (especially with children) would make a big thing about crossing the road to avoid me. An out of control Labrador off lead caused the problems not my dog.


I have known and heard of quite a few other dogs that have been attacked while on lead and it has changed them - some becoming quite nasty to other dogs and it is totally unfair.


My dog would growl at other dogs (mainly labs) and I just could not take the chance that he would bite. I just got sick of people giving me grief, saying a muzzled dog should not be allowed offlead or if he were vicious he should be put down!

Rev

No.

Should all known and ex criminals be handcuffed in public?