Dogs of dangerous breeds must be muzzled outside.
A muzzle is an element that is used to cover the mouth of an animal, preventing it from having the possibility of biting or eating . The animal's snout is thus covered, although the muzzle does allow breathing.
These are plastic, metal or leather pieces capable of adapting to the snout of a dog, horse, etc. In addition to the structure that covers the muzzle, the muzzle has a tape that is placed around the head to achieve fixation.
Dogs that are considered dangerous, for example, must be walked with a muzzle to prevent them from attacking people. Many maintain that it is recommended that breeds such as pit bulls , Dobermans or Rottweilers always go out on public roads with a muzzle because a possible bite from these dogs can be lethal.
The vision of animalists
In an ideal world, animals would live in absolute freedom , and we would all share the planet as we should, subjecting ourselves to the laws of nature; However, the reality is that human beings have imposed themselves by force and subject all other species to our will. The muzzle is another example of the normality with which we accept this domination without thinking about the consequences.
Despite the good will of animal activists in their eternal fight to improve the conditions in which animals live, there are too many laws and interests that often force us to go against our instinct. If we live with a dog that is considered dangerous, even if we know it better than ourselves and know that it is incapable of harming anyone, the law requires us to put a muzzle on it.
Since in many cases we cannot avoid forcing our dog to wear a muzzle, we should at least consider getting him used to this annoying accessory little by little. If we don't do this, it is likely that it will look for a way to make it difficult for us, trying to escape or even tearing it apart if it manages to grab it behind our backs.
In some cases, horses are also muzzled.
Muzzle types
Tube muzzles , which are usually made of nylon or fabric, are the cheapest, but also the worst for the animal. It is a cylinder that tightly surrounds the snout, preventing the mouth from opening . The dog needs to pant to regulate its body temperature, which is why extended use of this type of muzzle can lead to serious consequences, such as heat stroke, especially if exposed to high temperatures, stress or physical exercise. Fortunately, it is prohibited in several parts of the world.
The alternative is the so-called basket muzzles , which have a metal or plastic structure, among other materials, that is attached to the dog's head by means of one or more strips. Although no living being can be completely happy when it is prevented from using its freedom, with this product the risks mentioned in the previous paragraph do not exist.
Uses in different areas
In riding competitions, horses are also forced to wear muzzles. In this case, the muzzle is made up of ropes that surround the muzzle, forehead and neck of the animal . The utensil allows the rider to hold and guide the horse more easily.
Draft animals , on the other hand, are usually muzzled when they have to carry out work . The objective of the muzzle, in this framework, is that the creature does not stop to eat in the middle of the activity.
Other meanings of muzzle
The Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ), finally, includes other meanings of muzzle in its dictionary.
The notion can refer to a stupid person, to one who has no experience in a trade or to the black slave who had been extracted from his country a short time ago.