A GWENT MP has called for the UK government to require all dogs to be compulsory micro-chipped in a bid to tackle dog attacks.

The UK Government is consulting on a range of issues to tackle dangerous dogs, including outlawing attacks on private property and micro-chipping.

The government would prefer require that dog owners microchip puppies – not all dogs – and Islwyn MP Chris Evans said the proposals do not go far enough.

Mr Evans said: "By introducing compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs, recorded on a single national database, owners will be encouraged to take responsibility for the behaviour of their dogs."

He also said introducing a list of approved breeders would help prevent the illegal breeding of dogs.

Mr Evans spoke at a debate that he called in Westminster Hall in the House of Commons last week.

A consultation on compulsory micro-chipping for all dogs is currently ongoing in Wales, and Newport East AM and environment minister John Griffiths has said he would like dog attacks on private property outlawed here.

Mr Evans told the Commons that he himself was bitten by a dog on private property while out campaigning in Blackwood in November 2010.

Mr Evans had to go to hospital and had to have five stitches on his finger. He said that other victims are not so fortunate and in some well-publicised cases have seen people severely injured or maimed by a dog.

He said the UK government had taken two years to respond and publish its own plans following a 2010 consultation by the Labour government.

Newport East MP Jessica Morden said a partially sighted constituent whose guide-dog was attacked is now afraid to set foot outside his door.

Natural environment and fisheries minister Richard Benyon said micro-chipping was only a partial solution and there would always be some who fail to comply.

He added: "The law can only go so far in catching them."