HOME Secretary Alan Johnson has himself exposed how pointless his new dangerous dog laws are.

Mr Johnson yesterday announced plans that could force every dog owner to take out third party insurance, in case their pet attacks someone, and to have their animal microchipped.

To grab a headline, such plans are fine but Mr Johnson’s assertion that the majority of dog owners are responsible is, unfortunately, revealing where the system will fall apart.

It is the irresponsible owners who are the problem. They are the ones who breed and ‘coach’ their animals in such a way as to make them fierce and dangerous.

These dogs are status symbols and, in some cases, weapons.

Much like those who refuse to get motor insurance, these owners will not bother with insurance and microchipping and – without criticising the police or RSPCA – know there is little chance they will be caught and even less of being prosecuted.

We have had problems with attacks here in Oxfordshire but only a small minority of the dogs involved have been traced.

Mr Johnson should scrap this plan and instead find systems that will be more bite than political bark.