http://newanimalcontrol.org/newsystem.shtml proposes a sensible dog licensing system that "gauge[s] the competence of those who want to take their dogs out onto the public streets. Those who can prove that they have perfect voice control over their dogs can become licensed to walk them off lead, while others may be forbidden to take their dogs out among the public at all. It all depends on the animal's behavior and the owner's demonstrated ability to control him."