Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Another weird idea from Westminster.

Last week the Government outlined their idea to force dog owners to have third-party insurance.

The idea is part of a wider initiative to deal with dangerous dogs (or 'status dogs' as they are called by certain sections of society). However, as they manage to do so often, the Government has totally missed the point.

Do they really think that the owners of the most dangerous dogs will take out insurance? The people that will get caught by this hair-brained scheme are, as usual, the law-abiding 'middle class'.

If the Government needs a pointer as to who tends to own menacing dogs it should look to those who drive without insurance, MOT or road fund, those who watch TV without a licence or those that claim state benefits whilst working.

Forcing the majority of responsible dog owners to pay for insurance is not the answer. To add to the 'fun' I suppose that a new quango would be needed to administer the new rules and regulations ...