A Green Party government would force dog owners to possess a licence and could even see zoos banned in the UK. The "killjoy" move was announced in policy documents on the party's website, which called for increased costs and red tape to be imposed on the country's 13.5 million dog owners.

The policy would introduce two tiers of licence, with one for those who breed dogs and one for those who don't. The policy reads: "The Green Party is opposed to the wholesale breeding, manipulation and destruction of those animals who are chosen as companions to the human race. We will introduce measures to regulate the care and conditions for such animals including a two-tier system of dog-licensing [breeding and non-breeding], licensing of all animal breeders and dog owners."

Dog licences were previously scrapped in the UK in 1987, although pets must now be microchipped under current animal welfare laws.

The Greens say the proposal aims to improve animal welfare and regulate breeding practices. Party policy states it opposes what it describes as the "wholesale breeding" of companion animals and argues licensing would help ensure dogs are properly cared for.

However, the idea has been met with anger from opponents, who say it would punish responsible owners while doing little to tackle irresponsible breeding.

Critics argue the proposal risks making dog ownership more complicated and expensive at a time when many households are already struggling with rising costs.

The policy forms part of a wider animal welfare agenda put forward by the Greens that also includes plans to abolish traditional zoos and private animal collections.

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Under those proposals, facilities would only be permitted to keep animals in limited circumstances, such as rescuing injured wildlife or breeding endangered species for reintroduction into the wild.

Supporters of zoos say such institutions play an important role in conservation and education, helping protect threatened species while inspiring millions of visitors every year.

Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins told The Sun on Sunday: "The Greens are barking mad for wanting to put dog owners on a very expensive lead and shut the UK's highly respected zoos.

"Zoos inspire millions of children about wildlife and do vital conservation work for endangered species.

"The Green killjoys want to throw this all away, while making dog ownership unaffordable. It's a dog's dinner of a policy."