There are new proposals for dog owners which are under consideration. These new proposals could see dog owners having to have their dogs micro-chipped and take out third party insurance to cover injuries caused by dogs.

These new proposals will undergo a three month public consultation and would not become into force before a general election.

There are approximately 100 people per week who are attacked and injured by dogs. These figures since 1997 have risen from 60 dog attacks per week. Also there has been a rise in complaints about dog attacks.

Dogs can attack anyone but the most vulnerable are postman, the elderly and children. It is often reported in the newspapers or on the television, that in particular postmen and children suffer horrific dog bites in unprovoked dog attacks. Many children are just being friendly with a dog when it can suddenly attack. Of course, the vast majority of dogs will not harm anyone and are enjoyed as pets.

Under current legislation it is illegal to for any dog to be out of control in a public place or somewhere it is not meant to be, this does not include the property of the dog owner.

The new proposals could help encourage dog owners to act more responsibly, as any attack by their dog which results in an injury to someone, could result in the injured victim claiming off the dog owners insurance for injury compensation.

Dog insurance will enable innocent injured people to make a dog attack injury claim, which under current rules is often not possible. Claiming for a dog bite at present can be made if the owner has insurance. Dog bites from a pub owners dog or one that belongs to another establishment could result in a claim for compensation as they should have the relevant insurance to cover these circumstances.

Here at the Accident Advice Bureau we strongly agree with these new proposals as they allow an injured victim of dog attacks to be able to make a dog attack claim for compensation. You can claim for dog attacks by clicking: Claim for Dog Bite.