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The rise in the number of attacks on people by dangerous dogs is now a "national calamity" that must be addressed with urgency, the Commons has heard.
Andrew Rosindell (Con, Romford) has urged for compulsory micro chipping of all dogs as puppies and the Dangerous Dogs Act should be replaced.
He said banning a handful of breeds would not solve the problem of dogs terrorising parks, estates and streets.
A "deed not breed" approach should be taken instead with regard to new laws.
He told MPs: "Inner city areas in particular are being blighted by the intimidating sights of individuals and gangs brandishing dogs that have been deliberately trained to produce the most aggressive demeanour possible."
Introducing the Dog Control and Welfare Bill to the Commons, Rosindell said there had been a 12-fold increase in complaints to the RSPCA about violent dogs and 100 people were attacked every week.
He said: "It would be no exaggeration to claim this is now a national calamity both in terms of public safety and animal welfare.
"As a result it is clear that the current legislation has failed on an epic scale. There is now a huge public desire for new laws that address this problem with owners properly held to account."
And he said dog attacks on private property had to be made a criminal offence as that was where many took place.
Under current regulations the owner is only committing an offence should an attack occur in public or where the dog was not permitted to be.
He added that the freedom to choose to own a dog had to go "hand in hand" with the responsibility that came with it.
Progress:
House of Commons
1st reading: 27 July 2010
2nd reading: 17 June 2011
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