VITAL measures must be taken to tackle the increasing number of dog attacks, according to Cheltenham's MP.

Liberal Democrat Martin Horwood was among ministers to back a call at Westminster for microchipping of all dogs as puppies.

He also called for the Dangerous Dogs Act to be scrapped, and replaced by new laws.

Mr Horwood said there was a need for a cross-party effort to combat the problem which has been branded a "national calamity". He has previously highlighted a string of violent incidents in his constituency involving dogs.

Pensioner Roz Turk, whose husband Bob was attacked near the couple's home in Springbank last year and left needing stitches, called for measures to be taken. She said: "Microchipping seems like the right idea to me. It will give some accountability after an incident. It was very traumatic when Bob was attacked.

"It won't stop people getting big dogs to intimidate people around them though, I don't think there's much that can be done about that.

"The problem has definitely got worse in recent years, it seems to be fashionable to have a big dog."

Mr Horwood's comments in Westminster came as Parliament heard that banning a handful of breeds would not solve the problem of dogs terrorising parks, estates and streets.

Instead a "deed not breed" approach had to be taken with regard to new legislation MPs were told.

There had been a 12-fold increase in complaints to the RSPCA about violent dogs and 100 people were attacked every week.

Mr Horwood, who was among the supporters of Dog Control and Welfare Bill, said there were two crucial issues to be tackled.

He said: "One is ownership and accountability, whether that's through a universal microchipping scheme or some other method.

"Secondly, shifting the emphasis of legislation away from a limited list of breeds sometimes difficult to identify and onto the behaviour of the dogs which ultimately the owners are responsible. Sadly there are too many examples from Cheltenham as to why this is really necessary."

The Bill was introduced to Parliament by Tory Andrew Rosindell who said: "It would be no exaggeration to claim this is now a national calamity both in terms of public safety and animal welfare.

"As a result it is clear legislation has failed on an epic scale. There is a huge public desire for new laws that address this problem with owners held to account."

The Bill, which has cross-party support, stands little chance of becoming law without Government support.