Just a week after the British government proposed forcing dog-owners to buy compulsory third-party dog insurance, they have backed down and abandoned the proposal in what the opposition are calling a “humiliating U-turn”.

Dog-owners across England and Wales were outraged by the move to compel pet owners to insure against their pet attacking someone, under a Labour crackdown on dangerous breeds.

The plan was squarely aimed at a reported rise in levels of dog fighting and illegal ownership, particularly by gangs who are use dangerous dogs as a status symbol.

Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn confirmed, “We would still be interested in views on whether third-party pet insurance could be a requirement of a dog control notice (i.e. if a dog is causing a problem).”

Recent figures highlight that more than 100 people a week are admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

The announcement this week caused some pet owners to start to compare pet insurance, while British dog-owners were quick to compare dog insurance with the multi-million pound car insurance industry.

When consumers compare pet insurance policies, it’s made clear that while third party cover for dog owners does cover some breeds, they do not cover dangerous dogs as defined under The Dangerous Dogs Act, and other specified breeds.

Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance and Health, of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), responded “While we understand the desire to reduce the number of attacks by dogs, making pet insurance compulsory for all dog owners is much more difficult than it looks.

There is currently no stand alone third-party dog insurance cover for the owners of dangerous dogs, and no desire by insurers to provide cover against this very high risk.

With a general election looming, some analysts are seeing this as advance notice for both consumers, and pet insurance providers to prepare for more talks.