Dog muzzles? How long?

[KRUSTYMAN]

My neighbour has two dogs that are either kept in or out all day. She is back at random times or not at all (more often not at all) during the day. Recently someone complained about the dogs constant barking (not me but I was sorely tempted!). Consequently I've just discovered that the reason they have been so quiet these last couple of days is because they are wearing muzzles, obviously all day! What is the feeling - or legal ramifications - about keeping dogs muzzled in this way? My thanks in advance.

[lankeela]

Other that an actual strap type muzzle (which goes tighly round the nose) I don't know of any muzzle that stops a dog barking. No-one in their right mind would leave a strap muzzle on a dog as they can hardly even drink with them on, Has anyone seen the dogs muzzled?

[KRUSTYMAN]

Yes they are wearing them now. They are the type that 'buckle'/ plastic clip at the back of the dogs head/neck and no the neighbour isn't in nor has she been since 9am this morning.

[jules77]

Like this sort?

http://www.canineconc...zzle--mikkimuz---dogs

[Nosha123]

thats cruel... what if the animal vomited? would it choke?

I would report her...

The dogs bark as they arent cared for properly... if they are outside all day long.. they are probably barking out of boredom and lack of stimulation!

Thats awful.... truly awful!!

[Nosha123]

and as Lankeela pointed out.. they cant drink!!!!! I didnt even think of that - but in warm weather they will get ill VERY quickly.

Can you go round to see this neighbour tonight and ask them?

They will have to find another solution to the barking - but NOT this awful muzzle!

Poor creatures - they could get a much more loving home somewhere else!!

[lankeela]

Dogs CAN bark whilst wearing a Mikki muzzle, they can also drink and pant but even so they should not be left alone while wearing them. However, if neighbours are complaining the owner has probably tried everything to shut them up, which is difficult when not there. Perhaps the complainers would like to come up with a better idea.
(Said with real feeling as I had neighbours who reported me to the RSPCA every time I went out of the house). In the end the RSPCA told them they would be reported to the police for wasting their time if they did it again.

[boxtops]

I feel sorry for the dogs.

[KRUSTYMAN]

Yes they are the type that jules77 sent the link for. They are wearing them again today because the owners out. :(

[Angleflame]

Report them to the RSPCA. That is downright animal cruelty. That person should not be allowed to keep dogs if they can't look after them properly. In a Mikki muzzle a dog can open it's mouth about a quarter of an inch or not at all. I know, I have one for my dog for when he gets his nails clipped as he hates having it done. He can't open his mouth enough to nip, so he certainly wouldn't be able to drink.

As I say, report them. As soon as possible.

[Nosha123]

Please report them Krustyman.. those poor dogs will get ill quickly if the weather gets hot this summer... and they shouldnt be left unattended with them on!

[supersuezy24]

I agree with Nosha and Angleflame, This woman should be reported, I do feel bad leaving my dog at home for an hour or so on his own even when he has food and water available.
If she cannot look after the dogs properly she shouldn't have them.

[4getmenot]

I hate dogs but even I wouldnt see them put through that. call the RSPCA as they obviously cant drink with them things on. I think all dogs should be muzzled when being walked in public though

[supersuezy24]

4get, have you had a bad experience with dogs that you think they should all be muzzled whilst being walked in public?

[4getmenot]

No but I often here people talk about there dogs being attacked by others. I just think it would be more safe. Not a tight muzzle, one wear the could still open mouth, just not be able to bite.

[4getmenot]

sorry hear

[ChuckFickens]

If one of my neighbours left a dog out all day like that with a muzzle on I'd be seriously tempted to hop over the fence and remove the muzzle!

[supersuezy24]

Yeah I understand where you are coming from, a family on my road have a fabric one that they put on their dog if he is out on the street, just to be safe whilst there are children around.
My dog has been attacked by another dog which was not on a lead. I think that is a big issue as well, I walk my dog several times a day in the park near where i live and the amount of people that walk their dogs off the lead is not right. Some of the dogs that do be off the lead would be dogs I would class as dangerous dogs; pit bulls, stafs etc, these to me are dogs which should be on a lead as well as muzzled at all times whilst in public places.

However, I suppose if your dog is well trained and looked after and is a real pet and placid and is always walked on the lead then maybe a muzzle is not necessary but in my opinion that depends on the breed of the dog too.

[Nosha123]

supersuezy.. "I walk my dog several times a day"

wow.. you sound like a top dog owner!!! I bet he/she loves all those walks!!!

[supersuezy24]

He seems quite sleepy now Nosha..maybe he's getting too many

[Nosha123]

aaah bless.. how many walks has he had today???