An animal muzzle having at least one releasable application handle for placing the muzzle on an aggressive or dangerous animal while keeping the user's hands a safe distance from the animal's mouth. An application handle may be made of any semi-rigid or rigid material and can employ any one of several fastening means to fasten to the muzzle body, including a mounting post and post-receiving slot mechanism. With the application handle fastened to the muzzle, a user may position the muzzle around the animal's snout and secure the muzzle around the animal's head without fear of being bitten or injured. Then, once the muzzle is secured, the user can detach the releasable application handle, leaving the muzzle in place.