A BULLDOG in Llandudno has been given a “death mask” muzzle by its owner, who claims he is “beautiful and gentle” in nature.

English bulldog Lenny has been given the muzzle by owner Caroline Burnell, who said it is to prevent him from chewing on sticks that could eventually cause him “serious harm”.

Ms Burnell said the pooch “loves meeting people and other dogs”, and said she hoped he wouldn’t have to wear the Hannibal Lecter-esque mask for long.

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The dog owner said: “So many people kindly say hello to our beautiful and gentle English Bulldog, Lenny, when we’re out walking, and he loves it.

“I just want to say that if you see him out and he is wearing this muzzle, it’s because he keeps eating sticks and eventually they will cause him serious harm, not because he’s suddenly dangerous or nasty.

“Please continue to fuss him, as he loves meeting people and other dogs.

“Hopefully he won’t be wearing it for long - it’s for his own health – just because a dog is wearing a muzzle, it doesn’t meant it is dangerous.”