BROMLEY: Dog owners may be forced to pay insurance (From This Is Local London)

BROMLEY: Dog owners may be forced to pay insurance

2:30pm Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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DOG OWNERS could soon be forced to insure their dogs against their pet attacking someone under new government proposals.

The proposals have been put forward to tackle dangerous breeds and could mean police and local authorities could also force owners to muzzle the animals and even have them neutered.

Last year the Met Police received 1,070 calls about dangerous dogs and in the last six weeks Bromley police has received 22 calls about dangerous dogs.

Walter Colaluca has strong views on the subject after his Jack Russell, Teddy, was mauled last month by a pit ball type dog.

The 83-year-old from South Hill, Chislehurst, said: “I don’t think there is any such thing as a dangerous dog.

“They are like children and it is up to the owners how they are brought up.

“What about the people who can’t afford this extra insurance, would the dogs be taken away?”

If the proposals goes ahead it will amend the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, which bans four breeds; the pit bull terrier, the fila brasileiro, the Japanese tosa and the dogo argentino.

Under the act police have the power to deal with any dog, no matter what their breed, which is out of control in a public place - with the ultimate decision of destroying the animal.

However, if a dog not on the banned list causes injury on private property it is not covered by the act, but under the proposals this would change.

The legislation also includes compulsory micro-chipping and third-party insurance for dog owners to ensure attack victims are compensated.

The proposals were revealed by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn and Home Secretary Alan Johnson, who say the consultation is a response to concerns about the way some people use animals to intimidate or threaten people.

A spokesman for Bromley police said: “Dogs are not born dangerous, they become dangerous because they are neglected, abused or through bad management.

"Bromley police are working to tackle the issue of dangerous dogs in the borough with our partners and targeting and arresting people using dogs in an anti social manner.

"We will not hesitate to prosecute the owners of dangerous dogs."

For more information or to give you opinion on the consultation, visit defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/dangerous-dogs/index.htm