ISN’T it time to reintroduce the dog licence and make it compulsory to have all dogs chipped?

Jobs could be created on the back of this to check that all dogs and their owners comply and to issue fixed penalties for those who don’t.

This process would be cost neutral in terms of setting up a national database and would provide the added security of recording and tracking breeds known to be dangerous or antisocial.

A licensing system would also make it easier to prosecute those who allow their dogs to foul the footpath without cleaning it up.

Despite the heightened awareness of owner responsibility there are still far too many who ignore the impact they and their pets are having.

Andy Bramfitt, Darlington.