Whats the law about dogs and muzzles?

[moggymommy]

I know there are a few doggie people on here, wondering if you could help settle an argument?

I was out walking with my toddler and a friend and round the corner came 2 Rotties, not on leads or muzzled, they both came up to my little one and she giggled as she likes dogs. My friend started swearing and muttering that they're dangerous dogs and should be muzzled, they obviously werent dangerous or the guy would've had them on leads
I argued that they arent dangerous dogs and that the dangerous dogs act doesnt actually specify any breeds other than the 3 banned one (I acutally dont have a clue btw!) but he reckons Rotties, Dobes, Pitbulls and Staffies should all be muzzled.
I just told him he should get his facts right before he speaks!

[Julie84]

Originally Posted by moggymommy

My friend started swearing

I think I'd have more problems with people swearing around my children than a friendly off lead dog licking them!

I don't have a clue, I'm afraid, but I have met some really gorgeous rotties and staffies and some really nasty 'kid friendly' dogs so I personally think it should be determined by the nature of the dog in question rather than the breed.

Unfortunately, some people get dogs just so the can turn them into vicious, barking, mean-looking animals and unfortunately it's normally the breeds you mentioned that are chosen by these people (and are bred indiscriminately).

[EmmaG]

you should be able to find out more info here

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welf...estic/dogs.htm

[moggymommy]

Thanks Emma, I've emailed that link to him.

I do like being right!!

[dinahsmum]

Is your friend Irish?
Staffies have to be muzzled and kept on a short lead in Eire - plus lots of other breeds, maybe including Rotties.
Guess who wasn't interested in a headhunted job in Dublin recently?

[moggymommy]

No, he isnt Irish, deffinitly not.
I'm a cat person really, always have been but even I know there are no dangerous dogs, only dangerous dog owners

I'd love a Rottie one day but its a loooooong way off.

[Snoof]

Unfortunately you're right about there being dangerous dog owners, and I wouldn't count on anyone keeping their dangerous dog on a lead personally If they were obviously friendly, no problem - and I'm glad your daughter enjoyed them (when my son was 18 months old, if he saw a dog he'd start going "Oggieoggieoggieoggieoggieoggieoggie!" and run towards it The number of times I worried myself sick).

I know Rotties are portrayed as dangerous, vicious dogs but personally I've never met one who was anything short of adorable... They seem a very friendly breed to me. Dito Staffies.

[Hreow]

Originally Posted by dinahsmum

Is your friend Irish?
Staffies have to be muzzled and kept on a short lead in Eire - plus lots of other breeds, maybe including Rotties.
Guess who wasn't interested in a headhunted job in Dublin recently?

What?! Cat-pagers muzzled as well! We'd never survive!!

[moggymommy]

Originally Posted by Snoof

Unfortunately you're right about there being dangerous dog owners, and I wouldn't count on anyone keeping their dangerous dog on a lead personally If they were obviously friendly, no problem - and I'm glad your daughter enjoyed them

I'm going to be terribly un-PC here and say, you can usually tell by looking at the owners whether or not it would be safe to let your children near the dog or vice versa. I kinda knew the guy who was with the dogs and he said they were ok etc.

GRRR @ People who give good dogs bad reps

[carternm31]

Ask him if Roxy should be muzzled: (Dobermann 13 weeks old)