A LEADING vet has hit out at dog owners who refuse to muzzle dangerous dogs.

York vet Mark Goodman, of Minster Vets, is urging dog owners to muzzle their pets if they have any worries about safety following the mauling to death of five-year-old Merseyside girl Ellie Lawrenson.

Mr Goodman said: "I know a muzzle seems a drastic step but the right one allows a dog to breathe easily and also to drink.

"There seems to be a big stigma about the use of muzzles but they can be a massive aid to safety and also can help give owners confidence to retrain a dog they have become frightened of."

His comments come amid renewed controversy after the debate over just how dangerous dogs can be was reignited following the death of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was mauled by a pit bull terrier-type dog in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Mr Goodman said: "Certain breeds of dogs are frequently blamed for becoming dangerous, but this can be avoided if they are properly trained and looked after by their owners," said Mark Goodman, of Minster Veterinary Practice in York.

"Owners of all dogs are responsible for the actions of their dogs and, sadly, there are cases where dogs have to be euthanased due to their danger to the public, when thorough training, whatever the breed, is the only way to avoid this."

Ellie was staying at her grandmother's house in St Helen's, Merseyside, when she was attacked by the dog.

She died of severe head and neck injuries and her grandmother, 46year-old Jackie Simpson, needed emergency surgery for arm injuries.

The dog was shot at the scene by police marksmen.

"Remember, as vets, we see many problem dogs and it is in our interest to help owners train them properly in the first place," said Mr Goodman. "It is important to treat any worries over aggression seriously at an early stage to prevent injuries but it is also much easier to resolve behaviour problems when they have not built up to a more dangerous level."

He said some dogs that become "dangerous" have medical problems such as painful joints and teeth or neurological diseases which can be resolved with simple medical treatment.

"This is why it's important for owners to get their pet checked by a vet if they notice its behaviour changing."

What law says

Section One of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four types of dog:* Pit Bull Terrier
* Japanese tosa
* Dogo Argentino
* Fila BrasileiroIt is an offence to own or keep any of the above types of dog, unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs and is in compliance with the requirements.

In any event, it is an offence to breed from, sell or exchange (even as a gift) such a dog, irrespective of whether it has been placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs.