New Labour proposals announced today would potentially mean that all dog owners in England and Wales will have to insure against the possibility of their pet attacking someone.

Labour’s new consultation, launched just weeks before the general election, aims to tackle the issue caused by dangerous breeds, and the danger these dogs pose to society.

Other potential new rules include the possibility that you’ll have to microchip your pet, you’ll be served with a ‘Dogbo’ (like an animal Asbo) for your animal, and for animals that do misbehave, owners may have to muzzle, lease or even neuter their pets.

This consultation comes following concerns about the increasing number of dog attacks – some reports suggest that it’s grown by 20% in the past year. According to others, more than 100 people every week are treated in hospital after being bitten by a dog. There is concern that gang members are breeding dogs to intimidate or threaten people. Last month for example, a policeman was seriously attacked by two pit bulls in London.

But given that many of these dogs are owned by gang members, should regular dog owners be punished for the actions of a few irresponsible dog owners?

Are you a dog owner? Would you be prepared to pay an extra £5 per month to insurance your dog against a potential attack on a human?

Are you a non-dog owner that sometimes feels threatened by a dog that lives in your neighbourhood?

Let us know what you think.