on the Island is urging people to write with their concerns.

Former dog warden Leonard (Shinah) Simons was accepted as the new chairman of the Government's community dog group at its first meeting last Thursday, and said now was the time for people to make submissions.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries set up the group following a public campaign over the growing problems with dogs in Bermuda.

Among their concerns was illegal breeding, animal cruelty, dog fighting and an ever-increasing dog population.

There are more than 11,000 dogs on the Island, which has just over 60,000 people, and less than half of them are licensed.

Former Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson faced criticism over his handling of the issue, and finally agreed to set up the committee with leading vets, dog groups and members of the community, before being forced from the Cabinet last week.

Write down concerns about dogs And Mr. Simons said the first meeting was a success.

He added: "As our first meeting, it went well. We were mostly dealing with organisational issues, but we are eager to hear from members of the public.

"We are soon to have advertisements coming out asking people to submit any concerns to us.

"It is very important people write to us with any concerns they may have.

"If they are worried about people walking their dogs without a leash, or concerned about constant barking, then they should get in touch. We will then see if they can be addressed.'' People have until the end of the month to make submissions to the committee via the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, at the Botanical Gardens, 169 South Shore Road, Paget.

The Royal Gazette reported two weeks ago how the Bermuda Veterinary Association was concerned about the appointment of Mr. Simons as chairman.

Vet Andrew Madeiros, who is chairman of the association, as well as chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said because Mr.

Simons had recently been the Government dog warden, and many of the problems with dogs had been around for some time, members of the committee may be afraid to speak out.

The association said perhaps a new perspective was needed to deal with the problems.

However, yesterday Mr. Simons said the committee did not discuss the appointment of any other chairman or the voting in of a chairman.

And he said he believed the former Environment Minister had made a good decision in appointing him.

He added: "There was no problem. I was left as chairman and nothing was discussed.

"But I think the minister made a wise decision in putting me there as chairman, not only because I am a former dog warden, but because I have chaired committees for the National Animal Control Association overseas.

"I thought the people looked at me and thought I had a universal background and was more than just a former dog warden.'' The committee is to meet weekly -- the next meeting due for this Thursday.