MENACING dogs are replacing guns and knives as the weapon of choice for violent youths, Hampshire MPs have claimed.

With tighter restrictions being imposed on offensive weapons, so-called “status dogs” are a growing problem in the area, said Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North.

Speaking in a parliamentary debate, where she pressed for a change in the law, the Conservative said: “Hampshire police have said there has been a clear rise in status dogs being used instead of firearms, because the penalties are lower.”

She was backed by Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage, who said: “In place of knives and guns, more innovative ways are springing up for people to look scary.”

Ms Nokes, who owns two spaniels, used the debate yesterday to call for reforms to the Dangerous Dogs Act, which has been criticised for focusing on the breed, rather than the behaviour, of dogs.

She suggested the controversial plan of compulsory microchipping for the animals, seen by critics as a tax on responsible owners.

She insisted that the move was necessary to provide a link between dogs and their owners, who would be made more accountable.

She added: “We have to move to a situation where we can identify who is responsible for which dog.”

Complaints She said that complaints in Southampton were rising, with one resident sending her photos of their Jack Russell which had been “ripped to shreds” by another dog.

Kennel fees for seized status dogs were already costing Hampshire police £30,000 a year, she said.

DEFRA Minister Jim Paice admitted that there was “a need for change”, but said that he could not give more information until the results of a consultation started by the previous Government had been published.