Government plans to microchip puppies will not stop dog attacks and could penalise millions of law-abiding owners

Ministers were last night criticised over plans to crack down on dangerous dogs which will penalise millions of law-abiding owners.

Under the measures, owners of every newborn puppy will be required to have them microchipped in an operation costing around £35.

The chip will contain details of the owner and their address, which will be stored on a central database to which the police and the RSPCA will have access.

Ministers insist the plans, which were formally announced yesterday, will make it easier for the police to trace the owners of violent dogs and ensure they can be prosecuted for failing to keep them under control.       Full Read