Dog owners could be forced to take out insurance against their pet attacking someone under new government proposals to tackle dangerous breeds. The proposals would also require all dogs to be microchipped so that their owners can be more easily traced and would make third-party insurance compulsory.
Announcing the plans, the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, said that he was concerned some owners were keeping dogs with the sole purpose of intimidating other people.
He said: "Britain is a nation of animal lovers, but people have a fundamental right to feel safe on the streets and in their homes.
"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but there is no doubt that some people breed and keep dogs for the sole purpose of intimidating others, in a sense using dogs as a weapon. It is this sort of behaviour that we will not tolerate; it is this sort of behaviour that we are determined to stop."
Ministers are also considering introducing New Dog Control Notices for misbehaving animals. The orders would allow police officers and council officials to muzzle, leash or even neuter their pets. In the most serious cases, the dogs could be confiscated and given to new owners.
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