Petition All dogs to be muzzled whilst out in public

Dog attacks on people and other dogs are on the increase. All dogs can be potentially dangerous.A badly behaved dog in a public place can spoil recreational activities in the counrtyside, public parks or beaches.
The following statistics are on the DEFRA site,
"In England in 2008/09, there were over 5,000 hospital admissions resulting from being bitten or struck by a dog (excludes people treated in minor injury units (MIU) or accident and emergency (A&E)"
"In 2009, dog attacks on people in England cost the Health Service £3.3 million."
I would like the government to consider making it an offence for a dog not to be muzzled in a public place.
By reducing attacks on people and other animals money will be saved by the NHS treating injuries. Investigation costs by local authorities would also be reduced.
This simple measure is a common sense approach to improving the enjoyment of people in public and reducing the worry associated with badly behaved dogs and irresponsible dog owners.