Minister to review dog laws after spate of attacks
Changes to dog laws have been signalled after a surge in attacks on the island.
Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, said that a shake-up was needed after a spate of incidents involving dangerous dogs.
The Dogs Act 2008, which opponents said was rushed through Parliament without proper consideration, is being looked at in the wake of what Mr Roban called an increasing trend of out-of-control dogs.
The minister signalled that the review will include the controversial Dogs Amendment Act 2018 as well.
Mr Roban has previously admitted that since the Government relaxed restrictions on the breeding of illegal pitbull dogs in 2018, “gruesome” cases of animal cruelty, abandonment and injuries have risen.
He said that questions now have to be asked if “we collectively are responsible enough to maintain this breed”.
The SPCA called for the courts to impose severe penalties for animal abuse as the existing levels of punishment were not a strong-enough deterrent.
The organisation would not be drawn on whether pitbulls should be returned to the prohibited breeds list, which they were removed from in 2018, stating that that would be a decision for the Government.
Mr Roban told the House of Assembly yesterday: “Based upon advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, we will be considering amendments to the Dogs Act 2008 to help ensure better control of dogs.
“There has been a significant rise in the number of unlicensed, unsocialised dogs, a very high percentage of which are of the American pitbull breed.
“You will recall that, in 2018, this Government responded to calls to ease prior restrictions on this breed.
“We gave the community that which it asked for, and now the time has come to ask whether this community has demonstrated that we collectively are responsible enough to maintain this breed.
The Dogs Act 2008 incorporated previous legislation and brought in new measures such as microchipping of all dogs and allowing bitches resting times between pregnancies.
It also stated that anyone wanting to own a dog must have their property vetted before being granted a licence.
The law was changed with the Dogs Amendment Act 2018, which allowed a relaxation in restrictions surrounding the American pitbull breed.
Pitbulls were removed from the list of prohibited breeds.
The Act also sought to increase penalties for owners who failed to control their dogs..
The legislation stated that a person found guilty in court of an offence under the Act, in the first instance, is liable to a maximum six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
“The large number of illegal dogs is likely also a result of owners who are unaware of their legislated responsibilities or simply have no regard for the Dogs Act 2008.
“Perhaps there is a perception that enforcement is weak, and owners will only do what is necessary if caught.
“Data held by Animal Control points to a trend in our community of dogs being out of control.
“Of the years 2019-2022, calls to assist police, complaints of biting/injury to a person and chasing/threatening behaviour, were highest during 2022.”
Mr Roban has already announced that legislation giving dog wardens tougher powers will go through Parliament by July.
Referring to multiple dog attacks on January 13, which he branded a “dark day”, Mr Roban said: “I think of the senior citizens, the children and the animals that fell victim that day to dogs being out of control.
“I think of the bites to heads, face and legs. I shudder to think of the horrible fear these victims must have endured, the anguish, and psychological scars that may remain long after the physical wounds have healed.
“I shudder to think of the more horrific outcomes that could have occurred.
“Friday, January 13, was an unusual day in the number of attacks that occurred, but sadly dog attacks have become a common occurrence.
“People are afraid, and this is a problem. There is real anxiety in the community, where members of the public are scared to walk with their dogs, or to enjoy the railway trail or even their own yards.
“Complainants tell of being trapped in their cars or their homes for fear of an attack by an uncontrolled dog.
“Unlicensed breeding has run amok, with little forethought to future homes, the wellbeing of the animal or the wellbeing of the community.
“The animals are distributed to anyone in exchange for a few dollars, or less. A certain breed has become a cheap commodity for profit and opportunity.”
Mr Roban said there were people who did not believe in spaying or neutering, and expect the SPCA to take care of any litter.
He said: “However, more steps will be necessary to bring about that needed mind shift in dog owners.
“We are moving to ensure full staffing of animal control officers, with the equipment and training they require.
“In addition, regulations are complete to implement ticketing for minor offences.
“This will allow the animal control section to deal with minor offences more expeditiously and allow the team to concentrate their efforts on more serious matters.”
Kate Terceira, the SPCA executive director, said courts needed to hand down much stronger penalties for abuse, and do so in a swifter timescale.
She said: “Currently there is a disparity within the court system on penalties allowed and given to offenders who face charges against the Dogs Act.
“So far these financial penalties have been well under the maximum penalty, $10,000, so there is not a strong deterrent to those that neglect to follow the law.
“Penalties need to be severe and standardised.”
Ms Terceira said court cases need to be expedited to avoid welfare concerns for the animals involved as they are used as evidence during the process.
She added: “The Bermuda SPCA was included in the meeting earlier in February to discuss concerns over management of canines on the island in light of a number of attacks that had occurred.
“Although the Bermuda SPCA only enforces the Care and Protection Act and not the Dogs Act, we are on the animal welfare front line and see the devastating situation regarding animal abuse, neglect and abandonment of animals on the island.
“Pitbulls have become disposable. Homing of pitbulls has become more and more challenging. The availability of suitable homes, which are willing to meet the requirements are diminishing.”
• This story has been updated to include comments from the SPCA.
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