A reported increase in the number of dog attacks in the north-east has prompted a call for compulsory micro-chipping in dogs.
MSP Nanette Milne has called on the Scottish Government to follow the example of Westminster, which will enforce chipping in England from April 6 2016.
The Conservative member said: “Recent dog attacks have demonstrated the need for action to be taken to promote responsible dog ownership and address the illegal breeding of dogs.
“In recent years the number of reported dog attacks have increased, with the Guide Dogs charity reporting eight guide dog attacks a month.
“The compulsory micro-chipping of dogs will not stop dog attacks completely but would provide a vital tool that encourages responsible dog ownership and will, in turn, reduce dog attacks.
“Micro-chipping not only helps to identify dogs and establish proof of ownership but also assists enforcement agencies in tackling anti-social dog behaviour and holding irresponsible owners to account.”
The Scottish Government has agreed to carry out a consultation on compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Scotland.
Mrs Milne has received support for the compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in Scotland from The Dogs Trust and Guide Dogs.
Her calls also echo those of Jacqueline Stewart, 74, from Arbroath, whose papillon Holly died after being attacked by a pitbull.
She said chipping all dogs may force irresponsible owners to keep their animals under control.
The owner of the dog which mauled Holly was fined £720 and banned from keeping animals for 70 weeks.
Holly suffered a broken femur and pelvis in the attack outside Mrs Stewart’s home last June and had to be put to sleep as a result of her injuries.
The English microchips will be coded with owners’ details and people who do not comply could be fined up to £500.
Mrs Milne added: “In recent years there have been specific issues relating to puppy farms and the breeding of dogs in social rented property.
“It is therefore hoped compulsory micro-chipping of dogs can help prevent back street breeding of illegal breeds.
“The action which the UK Conservative government is taking to introduce the micro-chipping for dogs in England and Wales will, it is hoped, help address the problem of thousands of puppies being imported illegally into Britain.
“However, I am concerned that if we do not have similar legislation in place in Scotland we could see the problem dramatically increase with Scotland becoming an easy route for the illegal import of puppies into the UK.”