Laws requiring all dogs to be microhipped came into force a year ago today.

But the RSPCA says the law doesn't go far enough to protect pets from abuse or neglect.

In a poll last night, 70pc of our readers agreed - there's still time to have your vote.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Sam Gaines said: 'There are many issues which compulsory microchipping does not address and that is one reason why the RSPCA maintains its view that dog licensing is the right way to go.'

The society believes a dog licensing scheme has the potential to generate money which could be used to help improve dog welfare and tackle the issues around irresponsible dog ownership.

It says that there needs to be 'a joined up strategy' to manage social and animal problems associated with dog ownership, which is funded by a new dog licence scheme. Similar laws operate successfully in other countries.