[BlackRedGold25]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I still think the simplest, easiest, most cost effective answer for owners and the city is to require dogs to wear a basic muzzle. Set some rule where every dog above 30 pounds (or whatever) has to wear a muzzle when they are off private property and not in a dog park. The dog might still chase kids or other pets but won't be able to inflict serious damage.

It's done in other countries, and seems to work fairly well. Bylaw officers will be able to tell right away who's complying and who's not. No muzzle...you get a ticket, just like for anything else. Get a few tickets....more serious consequences, whatever that may be (no dog for you?).

Yes, not all big dogs are crazy or dangerous (ie, Great Danes are about as low-key as it gets), but you have to set the bar somewhere...and let's face it, most dog attacks are from larger breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweillers, Shephers etc. Sure, some small dogs have a high prey instinct, but people don't die from having a crazy dachshund biting at their ankle. If something goes down, you can usually punt them into the next zip code.

It's hard enough to keep dog owners from letting their pets crap where they aren't supposed. Hoping bylaw officers are out checking dogs for muzzles isn't going to do anything.