Compulsory microchipping call to tackle 'weapon dogs'

Pressure for electronic ID for dogs has been growing and although the proposal comes from the current government, a new one might not drop it.

Microchipping is one element in a package designed to extend the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 to put more responsibility on owners besides trying to define dangerous breeds.

It is also proposed to make it easier to require control of dogs on private property – as long demanded by postmen and women through the Communication Workers' Union.

The Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, a former postman, will announce the proposals – and a public consultation on them, starting today – in a speech promising a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in general. But the Ministry responsible will be Hilary Benn's Defra, which has a responsibility for animal welfare.

A briefing on behalf of both Ministers, released at midnight, said: "The aim of the consultation launched today is to review and streamline current legislation.

"The move comes in the wake of rising public concern that some owners may be using dogs to intimidate communities or as weapons by gangs. In addition, the current Dangerous Dogs Act does not cover attacks on private property, leaving victims to seek recourse through the civil courts."

Proposals for discussion include:

Extending dog law to cover private property (with an exemption for attacks on burglars)

Giving police and councils powers to issue Dog Control Notices and ban some people from being in charge of an animal

Removing or rewriting rules that allow people to keep ultra-dangerous dogs if they have them neutered and micro-chipped and promise

to keep them muzzled and leashed

Introduction of compulsory microchipping so dogs can be identified by hand-held readers and their owners traced.

A vet would charge 25-35 to inject a microchip the size of a rice grain into a dog. Charities like the Dogs' Trust will do it free in some cases.

A recent meeting on microchipping at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was told all major parties were likely to make it an election pledge.

But yesterday, a Conservative spokesman said although their policy was not yet decided, compulsion was unlikely.

To join the Government consultation, log on to

www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/

consult/dangerous-dogs/index.htm/