ANIMAL charities in Plymouth say plans to force dog owners to insure their pets could lead to a 'nightmare' situation.

The Government has outlined proposals to force every dog owner to take out third party insurance and to have their dog microchipped.

While the plans aim to quash the growing problem of vicious animals being bred for use as weapons, a city animal welfare charity fears a surge in dogs being dumped.

Helen Lecointe, one of the managers at Woodside Animal Sanctuary, believes there will be an increase in dogs on the streets.

"Some people will genuinely not be able to afford to have their dogs insured and microchipped," Helen said.

"It will almost certainly lead to a rise in numbers on the streets. I think we will have an influx and it could potentially be a nightmare.

"It could be a disaster. It would not be good news at all if the law is not brought in properly."

Government ministers are also considering introducing New Dog Control Notices for misbehaving animals.

The 'Dogbo' orders would allow police officers and council officials to force miscreant owners to muzzle, leash or even neuter their pets.

In extreme cases the dogs could even be confiscated and given to new owners.

The measures, part of proposed changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act, are aimed at tackling the growing problem of vicious animals being bred for use as weapons.

Ministers are also considering making it a criminal offence for a dog owner to allow their animal to be "dangerously out of control".

Currently they are only breaking the law if the dog is out of control in a public place.

The change would extend the law to private residences, and could provide extra protection for postmen.

Woodside founder Carole Bowles MBE said she also has fears about the proposals, but thinks the idea could work.

"It is a move in the right direction," Carole added.

"Any legislation which can be enforced, and which is workable is good.

"Personally I think those people with dogs which are not neutered or spayed should pay a licence.

"Unfortunately a lot of people aren't too concerned about the law."

Carole said the sanctuary has about 25 unhoused dogs at any one time at its Plympton base.

Claire Wadsworth, general manager of Gables Farm Dogs' & Cats' Home, believes the law could be a good thing.

"I think a law which proposes microchipping every single dog would be a good thing, especially for us as a rescue centre," Claire said.

"It would mean we could trace more owners when a dog is brought in."

But Claire believes the law would be difficult to police.

"How could you find out whether a dog is microchipped without scanning every single dog in the country?" Claire added.

"It's difficult to say whether it will lead to more dogs being dumped."