Dog owners could be required to register dogs and have them identity-chipped, under proposals set out by a senior Nationalist yesterday.

The plans were set out by Alex Neil, the Central Scotland MSP, during First Minister's Questions, with Jack McConnell responding positively that a committee of MSPs could consider tougher laws on dangerous dogs after the election in May.

The exchange followed the death of Ellie Lawrenson, aged five, who was mauled to death in St Helens last week by her uncle's pit bull terrier.