Calls to Insure All Dogs

Labour proposals have been put forward to suggest that all dog owners across England and Wales would be required to get insurance to deal with the growing problem of dogs attacking third parties. This comes after it has been reported that there is an increase in the number of people being attacked by dogs that are not deemed to be dangerous breeds but rather dogs that have been trained by their owners to be dangerous or aggressive.

It is estimated that around 100 people a week are admitted to hospital following dog attacks and that this number has grown rapidly over recent years. As a result a consultation period has been entered into on amending the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to put requirements on all dog owners.

Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary stated: "There is a lot of public concern about dog attacks, including the recent tragic deaths of young children, and about the rise in the number of so-called status dogs used to intimidate or threaten people. This is a serious issue of public safety. The government wants to hear what people think about the law as it stands and what more we might do to protect people from dangerous dogs."