Safer Islington debate - should all dogs be microchipped?

Stray and dangerous dogs are one of the top issues Islington residents bring up with Islington Council and local police. We've reported previously on suggestions for dealing with canine issues in N4 and nationwide, and now the council are inviting local people to comment on proposals for compulsory dog licensing and microchipping at a meeting on Thursday 4 November from 7pm to 9pm at Islington's Assembly Hall.

Other issues regularly raised include anti-social behaviour, cycle theft and domestic

violence. Cllr Barbara Sidnell, Islington Council's executive member for

community safety says, "This administration wants a fairer Islington, one that recognises

communities' concerns for their safety and responds to them with

action,"

Organisations including the Dogs Trust have put forward the proposal that all dogs should be microchipped for identification, with owner's details held on a central database. Dogs which are not chipped could

be impounded. Chief Executive Officer of The Dogs' Trust Clarissa Baldwin says,

"The benefits of microchipping are endless and owners can rest assured

that should their dog stray they have a much better chance of being

reunited if the dog has been microchipped."

The meeting will also provide information on how local people can get more involved in community safety, and on support available for both victims and witnesses of crime. Islington Police Borough Commander, Mike Wise says, "This is a good

opportunity for people to come and tell us about the issues which

matter most in their lives and neighbourhoods."

Cllr Sidnel adds, "Whether it's tackling dangerous dogs, anti-social behaviour, youth

crime or knives - we want to know where the problems are so we can work

with the police to make our streets safer for everyone. We are open-minded and want

residents to tell us where we should be putting our resources,

especially at a time when cuts are making money tight."

Questions about crime and safety can be submitted before the debate using theisonline form: www.islington.gov.uk/saferdebate, or by email to csputeam@islington.gov.uk  You can also text in a question by texting the the word DEBATE and your question to 60777.

Do you feel safe in Islington? What do you think the council's safety priorities should be?

Image: Raleene