The Government has been challenged to show “action, not words” on coming to grips with higher-risk dog breeds.

Robin Tucker, the Opposition Leader in the Senate, called for an update on plans announced in March 2023 to revise the island’s dog laws after a spate of attacks.

She asked why Walter Roban, the home affairs minister, had not implemented changes to the Dogs Act 2008 as well as the Dogs Amendment Act 2018, which allowed a relaxation in restrictions surrounding the American pitbull breed.

At the time, Mr Roban voiced concern at the proliferation of illegal dogs.

The minister also said in 2022 that he was taking action on “greater power for our dog wardens to act more decisively”.

Ms Tucker spoke in the wake of a high-profile pitbull attack on New Year’s Day that prompted comment from Mr Roban that changes to dog legislation would be tabled this year

“Why hasn’t Minister Roban shared with the public why new changes to the law regarding dangerous dogs are yet to implemented?”

She added: “For several years, the public has been hearing pledges from Minister Roban that legislation will be tabled to help address the increasing number of dog-related issues.”

Ms Tucker noted that the dog warden regulations had been expected to get passed by negative resolution before being published and going before legislators.

“This, he said, was a way to get them in place quickly,” she said. “What has happened to the minister’s unfulfilled pledge?”

Ms Tucker highlighted that Scott Pearman, the shadow minister, had questioned Mr Roban in March 2023 in the House of Assembly regarding progress on revised dogs legislation.

Mr Pearman was told the it would be acted upon within that legislative session.

“Last week, in a media report of two loose dogs terrorising vehicles and biting multiple people, Minister Roban’s office advised that a Canine Advisory Committee, initially appointed by former OBA environment minister Jeanne Atherden, who dealt with similar challenges in 2015, is being revived to help provide recommendations on legislative amendments, which will be tabled this year,” Ms Tucker said.

She said there had been inaction on “broken” promises from 2022 and 2023 and added: “We need solutions and action before someone gets seriously hurt or worse.”