The British government is proposing a new law that would require microchips in dogs and pet owners to carry canine insurance.

British officials argue that the new rules are meant to target irresponsible owners, saying the micro-chips will help to track and control dangerous canines.

But others argue it penalizes innocent dog owners.

British lawmaker Nick Herbert said the proposal risked "penalizing millions of law-abiding dog owners with the blunt instrument of a dog tax."

The national health service says the number of dog attacks has tripled since 1991. Each chip will have a number and be implanted under the dog's skin and costs between 10 pounds ($15) and 35 pounds ($52).

Sevearl European countries - including Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Italy and Portugal - have introduced mandatory microchipping rules in the past few years France requires that some breeds either be chipped or tattooed. E

Mandatory dog insurance, regardless of the breed, is already in place in parts of Germany and Switzerland.