East Ham MP Stephen Timms has supported a campaign aimed at preventing guide dogs from being attacked.

New figures released last week showed attacks on the pets are at an all-time high - running at an average of eight per month.

A reception, hosted by the charity Guide Dogs and attended by 150 MPs, was held at the Houses of Parliament

The government is currently consulting compulsory microchipping but has said its preferred option is to microchip puppies only. Under this plan, it would take 10 to 15 years before all dogs are microchipped.

Guide Dogs wants to see the compulsory microchipping of all dogs within two years.

Speaking after the event, Mr Timms said: “I was worried to learn that one recent attack on a guide dog coming to the end of training has meant that that particular dog will never be able to become a guide dog.

“(This is) wasting two years of effort, and a �30,000 investment. The Government needs to act on this.”