Councils will force owners to microchip their dogs

COUNCILS will be able to compel dogowners to muzzle, neuter or microchip their dogs as a result of a Private Member's Bill due to be heard today.

The Bill, which will also enable councils to remove dangerous dogs, is aimed at increasing local authorities' power to take action against dangerous and nuisance animals.

The proposed legislation would make it an offence to have a dangerous dog, to own a dog that has been used for fighting or to breed dangerous dogs.

An order may be made to have the dog destroyed and the owner could be banned from owning any more dogs and face a prison sentence.

The Bill, introduced by Lord Redesdale, follows in the wake of Mayor Boris Johnson's announcement that he will work with London boroughs to deal with dangerous dogs.

Wandsworth council is the first in London to have made microchipping dogs on estates compulsory.

Leader of Wandsworth council, Edward Lister, said: "We believe the measures outlined in this Bill are the best way forward. They would go a long way towards tackling [dangerous dogs]."

For more information about micro-chipping and the work of the dog control unit, see www.wandsworth.gov.uk/dogs or phone 020 8871 7606.