Yet Another Dog Killing.

[Canary42]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-22672602

When is it going to be made compulsory for all dogs to wear muzzles at all times when outside owner's home ?

It doesn't affect the dog, but ensures the safety of the general public.

Self-styled dog lovers have had it their own way for far too long.

[craft1948]

I wouldn't muzzle my dog, but outside of the home he is never off the leash.

[chrisgel]

Agree entirely. I wouldn't let some of these people keep a goldfish.

[sherrardk]

People around here bring dogs on the school run. Bloody things are sniffing at the kids, sniffing lunch boxes, etc. Time and a place for dogs. Thing 2 doesn't like dogs and they can really spook him. My children are allowed to touch dogs that they know but are seriously not allowed to touch other dogs even if invited to (annoys some dog owners, but I do try to to explain - would rather a slightly miffed dog owner to a bitten child).

[daisya]

It's the owners of these dogs who are the problem not the animals, poor dogs die because of rubbish owners who use them as status symbols as much as anything! All dogs should be bred under licence IMO and neutered before having an owner. The poor people who die through the neglect of owners to train their dogs are innocent victims, we never heard of this type of happening years ago afaic.

[Jeza]

Agree with craft. We had 2 Dobermans in the middle 80's, beautiful dogs, well behaved BUT always on a leash when out doors.

[FredPuli43]

Bit ludicrous in practice. Not many of the chihuahuas or other toy breeds are dangers to the public! Of the 160+ breeds on the Kennel Club list none are inherently dangerous. When it came to identifying dangerous breeds, the experts could only come up with 3 and the "pit bull type".Only the last has ever been seen in this country; just as well, for the Argentine guarding breed listed is so dangerous that, when it is shown in Argentina, even the judges don't enter the ring

[bazwillrun]

"but outside of the home he is never off the leash. "

I was under the impression that its illegal for a dog to be off the leash in a public place

"The breed of dog has not been confirmed but nearby residents said it looked like a Staffordshire Bull Terrier."

what a surprise.....not

[rockyracoon]

The trouble with bring in any kind of law is that the owners that would abide by it are not the ones that would allow their dog to attack someone.

[pixie373]

I have two cavaliers who definitely don't need muzzles. They are off leads around all the woods and fields around here and so are many other dogs. This is a horrible story, but a dangerous combination of irresponsible owners and aggressive dogs. Most dogs aren't like this.

[Maydup]

I walked alongside the river this week. It was in town and part of a busy park area, when a big dog came bounding along off the leash. It jumped up at me and my OH and not being dog owners, we were not at all confident with it.

The owner was screaming at it to come back but it just ran on amongst the families, little tots playing ball and Mums with buggies. It was a huge dog and absolutely terrifying. Thankfully nothing happened as one of the Dads managed to grab it while the owner caught up with it. But what law is there to protect us all in that park when an owner is so dismissive?

[EDDIE51]

bazwilliam The law is that the dog must be 'under control' normally that means on a leash but if the dog was very well trained it could be 'free'.

[daffy654]

My next door but one neighbour allows his dog out into the alleyway behind our houses every day (instead of walking it), the bloody thing got into my yard last Thursday and was trying to attack my cats, it also poops outside my back gate making it very difficult for us to use that entrance without stepping in dog mess. I have tried asking him not to do it but he says his dog isn't hurting anyone so he will carry on. I am now quite scared to sit with my back door open (back gate closed and bolted) in case it manages to get in again.

[Maydup]

Report him Daffy. If the law says the dog should be on a leash or at least under control, then you shouldn't have to put up with it intimidating you.

[viv38]

"It doesn't affect the dog". What utter tosh! My dog would be terrified if I put a muzzle on him and he wouldn't understand it at all. Another typical knee jerk reaction! This was another large dog owned by thick chavs who left it to roam round the garden most of the time (the gentleman who died had complained about the dog to neighbours), probably half starved and given no love or care whatsoever. So because of morons who treat their dogs like this, my lovely boy should be muzzled!!! He hasn't a bad bone in his body and just wants to play and enjoy his life (like all dogs owned by decent, responsible people. I'd like to muzzle the c*** owners though! Hope they get the book thrown at them.

[daisya]

"Hope they get the book thrown at them." ...and more. Trouble is often they don't get the sentence they deserve for what they do to the dog and the poor innocent suffering victim.

[viv38]

I know, this is why Cameron should change the law so these vile type of owners do get the punishment they deserve. I hate them, they give us all a bad name, and that's not fair.

[Prudie]

Bit fiery viv but totally see where you're coming from. Unfortunately these staffie types have become a status weapon rather than a pet for the lowest of life. I've had a boxer and a dobermann and because they were loved and trained they certainly never need muzzling. I hate to see a dog muzzled.

[Baldric]

Well said Viv, most of it is down to bad owners,
Our two are rarely on leads, unless there is traffic about,
They ignore other people and dogs usually, unless we stop for a chat that they'll have a bit of a play about, but no problems for anyone.

[viv38]

I am fiery Prudie, I'm a typical Aries (lol).

Not sure what dort of dog it was yet, but one story I read stated 'staffie type'.

[viv38]

Thank you baldric and because of these bad owners we all have to pay the price. It really does need a change in the law so these types can be properly punished and no more innocents die horribly.