Woodland Indians Forum

All dog owners in England and Wales would have to insure against their pet attacking someone under Labour proposals to tackle dangerous breeds.

Police and local authorities could also be given powers to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or even get them neutered.

Ministers say the consultation responds to concerns about the use of animals to intimidate or threaten people.

But insurers said Labour's plan could prove "more difficult than it looks".

More than 100 people a week are admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

There has also been a reported rise in levels of dog fighting and illegal ownership, particularly by gangs who are using dangerous dogs as status symbols.

Complicated

Coming a few weeks before a general election is expected, the government has launched a consultation on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

This legislation banned ownership of four types: the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro.

It also gave police powers to deal with any dogs, of whatever breed, that became out of control in a public place - with destruction of the animal the ultimate sanction.

But if a dog not on the banned list of types causes an injury on private property - such as someone's home - it is not covered by the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Instead, owners have to be pursued under the Dogs Act of 1871, which is seen as more time-consuming and complicated.

The government's consultation suggests extending the 1991 legislation to private property.

Ministers argue this will also protect postal workers, telecoms engineers and other people whose work takes them on to private land.

Another proposal is to introduce compulsory third-party insurance for dog owners to ensure attack victims are compensated.

'Public safety'

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said he was concerned that some owners were keeping dogs with the sole purpose of intimidating other people.

He told BBC News: "What most dog owners recognise is that what's going on is cruelty to animals.

"Other dogs are being treated abysmally because of this fashion for 'status dogs', which has been the main issue over the last five or six years."

Read More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8556195.stm