ELLESMERE Port and Neston MP Andrew Miller is supporting a bid to change the law in order to prevent attacks on guide dogs.

At a reception at the House of Commons this week, Mr Miller was one of 150 MPs lending their support to UK charity Guide Dogs, which is campaigning to stop attacks on guide dogs by other dogs.

Figures released earlier this month show dog attacks on guide dogs are at an all-time high, averaging at about eight a month.

At the reception, Mr Miller spoke to guide dog owners whose animals had been attacked, including one whose dog had been left suffering from epilepsy after two attacks.

MPs discussed the issue of compulsory microchipping for all dogs, in light of the Government’s current practice of only microchipping puppies, and supported the charity in its campaign to change the law in a bid to reduce the number of attacks.

Mr Miller said: “An attack on any dog is frightening but for a guide dog owner it is much worse; the trauma caused by these unprovoked attacks could leave a blind or partially sighted person a virtual prisoner in their own home.

“I certainly support Guide Dogs’ campaign for compulsory microchipping of all dogs as soon as possible and also their call for a change in the law so that an attack on an assistance dog is treated as seriously as an attack on a person.”