The government is considering proposals to introduce New Dog Control Notices in response to increased public concern over the number of dangerous dog attacks on humans.

The Independent reports that the notices would be introduced under the Dangerous Dogs Act and would make it a legal requirement for dog owners to take out third party insurance against their dog attacking someone – as well as having the dog microchipped.

The New Dog Control Notices – now being referred to as ‘Dogbos’ – would allow police officers and council officials to force owners to muzzle, leash or even neuter their pets. In extreme cases, officials would also be able to remove dogs from irresponsible owners and rehome them.

The measures are part of proposals to curb an increase in dogs being bred for violent animal sports or being used as ‘weapons’ by some owners.

Currently owners only contravene the law if a dog is out of control in a public place. The new proposals might extend this to private residences, which would bring extra protection for postal delivery workers against attacks from dogs.

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 – it is this sort of behaviour that we are determined to stop.’

The proposal to make dog owners insure against their dogs attacking others is set out in a consultation document. Some have called for a return of the dog licence, which Mr Johnson said was scrapped because ‘it cost more to collect than it actually gained in fees’.

A spokesman for the Dog's Trust said that many owners are in favour of the new proposals.

‘Just a third of dog owners currently have their dog microchipped, but should this become a legal requirement – more stray dogs can be reunited with their owners, thus ultimately reducing the 9,000 dogs that are destroyed by local authorities every year.’

A recent survey found that 88 per cent of dog owners questioned by the trust said they would be in favour of the new proposals.

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