New legal teeth to bite into the menace of killer dogs is on the cards.

The news came after a report from animal watchdogs warned there was evidence dogs were being trained to attack people.

An Agriculture and Fisheries report said: "It has been stated on many occasions that Bermuda is fortunate no-one has been killed in an attack.'' But it added: "There are a number of people presently training their dogs to attack people.'' And yesterday Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson did not rule out banning the breeding of devil dogs like pit bull terriers if necessary.

But he said the use of hi-tech microchips implanted in dogs so they could be easily identified was set to be made mandatory.

Mr. Hodgson said: "There is cause for concern here -- and legislation is being prepared.'' He added a special committee was to look at the problem -- with hopes of tough new laws being introduced before the end of the year.

The Minister spoke out after the latest report on the Agriculture and Fisheries Department catalogued an increase in dog attacks across the Island.

A total of 57 separate dog attacks were logged in 1998 -- 18 on people and 39 on animals, up on the previous year.

And the report added: "There are many more attacks which are not reported to the Department.'' More than 930 complaints about dogs were logged by the Warden service in 1998 -- more than a fifth up on 1997.

A total of 342 strays were picked up -- a 38 percent increase on the previous year.

The report also warned that the number of breeds being trained as attack dogs was increasing. It said: "They are not only using the Pitbull, but also larger breeds such as the American game bulldog, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Preza Canario, Fila and Belgian Malinois.

"Then there are others who because of crime want to own an attack dog for protection around their house and personal safety.'' Mr. Hodgson said his Ministry was working with Paula Cox's Home Affairs Ministry to deal with the menace.

Clampdown on dangerous dogs He added: "We're going to do something. We're going to tighten up on the licensing and the breeding, which hopefully will be of some help.

"Once we do that we should know every dog in Bermuda, so if we have a problem, we can deal with it.

"We're also looking at having microchips instead of a tag so all dogs can be identified.'' Mr. Hodgson said Government was "a bit reluctant'' to follow the UK lead in introducing legislation on dangerous dogs -- partly because of difficulties in the UK of defining dangerous breeds.

And he added that he was similarly reluctant to insist on dogs being neutered as well.

But he said: "The things we do have in mind, we'll have to see if they work.

If they don't, we will consider other options.'' Mr. Hodgson added: "The other area which requires attention is enforcement -- more people and that's always a question of money. But we are preparing a proposal for the Minister of Finance.''