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Dog insurance set to be compulsory

Every dog in Britain could be forced to have pet insurance in a new government crackdown.

All dog owners could be forced to have pet insurance under new government plans.

The measure is part of new regulation to tackle dangerous dogs, which includes compulsory microchipping of all dogs so owners can be easily traced and dog ASBO control orders.

Compulsory third party dog insurance would allow victims of dog attacks to be financially compensated in the event of an attack.

Home secretary Alan Johnson said: “The vast majority of dog owners are responsible, but there is no doubt that some people breed and keep dogs for the soul purpose of intimidating others, in a sense using dogs as a weapon.

“It is this sort of behaviour that we will not tolerate; it is this sort of behaviour that we are determined to stop.”

Last year police in London seized 900 dangerous dogs and the RSPCA reports a 12-fold increase in complaints about dog fights between 2004 and 2008.

Plans are so far at a consultation stage, which runs until 1 June.

Further measures include extending dangerous dogs laws to cover private property and more powers for police and councils to take on the problem.

Current dog insurance policies usually include some level of third party liability.

The primary reason owners sign up for pet insurance cover is to help with the cost of vet fees.

However, many policies have exclusions are certain breeds which are considered more dangerous, such as Mastiffs and bull terriers.