Compulsary muzzling when out, would it work?

How do you feel? I personally have no problem with it. Do you think compulsary muzzling of all dogs when out would reduce the number of attacks on children and other dogs?
Dawn.

i'm reserving my vote til I ponder this a little more.

On the pro side, I think it would be easy to get dogs used to being muzzled when out so really don't see that as being a problem. Also on the pro side it would make 'policing' dog laws easier as police could stop and charge anyone with a dog without a muzzle...

On the con side, it would be the idiots with status symbol dogs who didn't comply...perhaps endangering those law abiding owners' dogs who are muzzled and were then attacked.....

Good Topic...

Still thinking about it.
Personally i don't have a problem with dogs been muzzled when out and about.
As for reducing dog attacks i'm not too sure as most attacks take place on private property.

I wouldn't have a problem with that at all, in fact, my dogs would possibly have more freedom to go up to other dogs we meet without me having to put them on the lead first, before I know they're approachable. I know I could do it anyway now, but I don't coz they don't need it, but if it became compulsory, then I wouldn't have a problem at all, nor would my dogs I don't think?!

I'm also not sure so will think about it for a bit....

My initial thought though is that it's managing the symptoms rather than curing the disease... As in.. if people looked after their dogs properly from the off.. none would need to be muzzled....

But as this isn't an ideal world.. and we do have enough idiots to cause mayhem.. then perhaps it could be a fix.. But it still seems to be another example of the masses being punished for the few...

I've never had to muzzle a dog.. so can't talk from experience. I doubt it would cause any harm or discomfort.. my feelings against it are more out of principle rather than any problem with muzzles.

I have a complete problem with muzzling dogs when out. I just don't see the reason for it. My dogs are well trained, well behaved and well socialised. They don't cause a problem to anyone - so why should they have to wear a muzzle?

I don't think it would have much of an affect on dog attacks as most of these bites happen in the home.

i dont have a problem with it at all

I don't have a problem with it, but as Sal says most attacks on children are carried out in the home by a dog that is known to the child, but the perceived danger from dogs could be reduced as a result of all dogs being muzzled in public. I certainly prefer the muzzle option rather than all dogs being kept on a lead at all times.

I have voted for no, the reasons being.
Not everyone would muzzle their dogs including the idiots who walk round with nasty dogs without regards for responsable owners and dogs and if one of these did attack one of mine i would much prefer them to be unmuzzled so they had a small chance of defending themselfs.

I do understand the point about being round children, but part of being a responsable owner is training you dogs so they are extreamly doubtful to bite children. i accept there will still be cases but as a lot of cases now these seem to be down to poor owners so i dont think muzzling would solve this.

I voted only if dogs were running loose, If we had to we would but i wouldnt want to... i tried getting china used to a muzzle and it really distreses her, also how would it be policed, its impossible to be where dogs are 24/7 also what would be the implications if you didnt muzzle. If i could trust everyone else to i would happily train her to get used to it. However i dont think it would reduce attacks, its once again down to responsible owners and good training....

Alex
xx