A BILL has been introduced to Parliament as part of a campaign to clamp down on dangerous dogs and irresponsible owners.

Bolton West MP Julie Hilling has been spearheading the campaign for tighter legislation on dangerous dogs since the death of 14-year-old Jade Lomas Anderson in Atherton in March 2013.

She has introduced a bill for registration of dogs which, if passed, will mean that from 2016 all dogs will have to be micro-chipped and dogs would have to be registered on an annual basis for a small fee.

This would then be used for dog welfare and prevention of dog attacks.

Ms Hilling said: “The issue of dangerous dogs is getting worse and we need to take action now before more fatalities take place.

“Progress has been made since Jade’s death.

“The law has been changed since the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a range of measures to deal with dangerous dogs.”

Ms Hilling also believes more resources are needed to ensure the laws are enforced.

She said: “Both Michael Anderson, Jade’s step-dad, and the coroner have called for the reintroduction of dog licences and the majority of dog owners also support the idea. It would be a fitting tribute to Jade and her wonderful parents.”