I’m forever telling people too get their dogs on leads... It should be mandatory, not just XL bullies

Blackpool Gazette readers have shared strongly differing views on whether powerful dogs should be required to wear muzzles in public, with opinions split between tougher restrictions and greater emphasis on responsible ownership.

The Gazette asked readers on social media: "Should all powerful dogs be muzzled in public?"

The debate comes amid ongoing discussion surrounding XL Bully dogs in the UK. Following a series of serious and fatal attacks, the breed was added to the list of dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act in England and Wales.

Owners who successfully applied for an exemption can continue to keep their XL Bullies, but they must comply with strict legal requirements, including keeping the dogs muzzled and on a lead in public.

Many readers supported stricter controls.

Danny Halliwell said: "Yes and on a lead."

Crystal Wilson agreed, writing: "Yes and on leads but some parks should create a caged off area so they can be off lead and lease for play time."

Cara Jaid commented: "Yes. All owners to take an awareness exam before ownership of large and working breeds as to what can happen in public cause most are oblivious until it’s too late. They all think their own dogs are lovely and won’t behave like the pack animal that they are."

Paula Lynne Fullam supported mandatory muzzles after a personal experience, saying: "Definitely my granddaughters just had a bad bite from a Rottweiler while riding her bike it wouldn't let go of her leg. Someone had to kick it in the stomach to make it let go. She's scarred for life. The dog is still running around police are now involved."

Others argued that all dogs should be kept under control, regardless of breed, but questioned whether muzzles were the answer.

Babzy Scott wrote: "All dogs should be on leads in public places that would help."

Claire Hart said: "All dogs should be on a lead regardless. I have a Staffy and more bothered now of off lead dogs approaching him. I’m forever telling people too get their dogs on leads. It should be mandatory."

Mark Campbell commented: "Any dog can bite no matter what the owner thinks but I wouldn't agree with muzzles just every dog always on a lead under control."

Anna Fiedor added: "No, just all dogs should be on leads no matter on size or 'she is friendly' or 'he only wants to say hello'."

Carl Harris wrote: "All dogs should be on lead unless in a suitable location."

Several readers said behaviour depends more on owners than breed.

Laura Myers commented: "No but maybe some of the owners should be."

Betty Legs Diamond wrote: "Never dangerous dogs just bad owners. So each case on merit."

Paula Shaw said: "No dog should be muzzled you’re blaming the wrong end of the lead."

Christian Cox argued: "We need to move away from failed and flawed breed focused legislation. It doesn’t work and is based on no evidence.The emphasis needs to be on responsible ownership not banning and muzzling certain breeds because gutter press and social media “experts” say they are dangerous."

Some readers also defended larger breeds based on their own experiences.

Mark Hodgkinson wrote: "I had 7 Rottweilers and I used to let them off there leads without any problems always obedient and came back its how they are brought up."

Debbie Biddulph commented: "Small dogs are worse for being biters than big dogs! I’ve had a Doberman, 2x Rotties & a Bullmastiff & they’ve all been huge softies, it’s the little yappy snappy ones that I worry about."

Lisa Hilton Fraser said: "People need to stop tarnishing all breeds of dogs by saying they need muzzling all because they are powerfully dogs ,not all dogs are aggressive so no I’ve three dogs 2 Frenchies and a pocket-bully they are so placid."

Mark Gleave added: "My XL is the softest family orientated breed I’ve ever had and I've had many large breeds, I muzzle her but only because I have to but its cruel and inhumane."

Other readers took a more balanced view.

Rob Thompson wrote: "Well if they bite then obviously yes, even small dogs can bite."

Sharon Dickinson simply commented: "Any dog could bite."

Sharon Wills added: "If you love your dog and you know its temperament is snappy absolutely yes, why would you risk issues, why would you put your dog in this situation."

Anthony King remarked: "Cue the 'it's not the dogs it's the owners' brigade."

The responses highlight the continuing debate over dog safety, with readers divided over whether breed-specific rules are the right approach or whether greater emphasis should be placed on responsible ownership and control of all dogs in public.