Dog owners facing tough new rules

DOG owners could be required to insure themselves against the risk of their pet attacking someone, it was announced today.

Government proposals suggest forcing every dog owner to take out third party insurance and to have their dog microchipped.

Ministers are also considering introducing new “dog control notices” for misbehaving animals.

The “Dogbo” orders would allow police officers and council officials to force owners to muzzle, leash or even neuter their pets.

In extreme cases, the dogs could be confiscated and given to new owners.

The measures, part of proposed changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act, are aimed at tackling the growing problem of vicious animals being bred for use as weapons.

Ministers are also considering making it a criminal offence for a dog owner to allow their animal to be “dangerously out of control”.

Currently they are only breaking the law if the dog is out of control in a public place.

The change would extend the law to private residences, and could provide extra protection for postmen.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson 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.”