Risk news

Legislation governing dog attacks on people could be extended to include any such incidents which occur on private property.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn and home secretary Alan Johnson unveiled the proposed measures, which are aimed at giving the public greater protection from dangerous canines.

It revealed that 900 such animals were seized in London alone last year, while the RSPCA saw a 12-fold increase in complaints about dog fights between 2004 and 2008.

The measures also include the compulsory microchipping of dogs so that their owners can be easily traced in the event of an attack.

People with dogs may also have to take out mandatory third-party insurance which would financially compensate victims.

Mr Benn said: "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."

Last year, the Association of Chief of Police Officers was given £20,000 by the government to help train officers on dealing with dangerous dogs.

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