Changes to legislation are expected to be tabled this year to address a growing number of dog-related incidents on the island, the Ministry of Home Affairs said yesterday.

The ministry noted that the problem especially involved pitbull breeds but added that it often stemmed from irresponsible owners.

Two dogs caused “mayhem” in Southampton on New Year’s Day when a fire crew, police officers and animal wardens became involved after reported attacks by the animals.

Figures provided by the ministry yesterday showed that from 2017 to July 2022, 384 dog-related complaints were lodged involving chasing or threatening behaviour, or biting or injury to a person or an animal.

Of those, 218 were recorded against pitbull breeds, which accounted for 24 of the incidents in 2017, 14 in 2018, 45 in 2019, 38 in 2020, 51 in 2021, and 46 in the first seven months of 2022.

"The ministry can advise that it has seen increased canine-related incidents, especially those involving pitbull breeds,“ a statement said.

“To address this, the Canine Advisory Committee was formed and is working on providing the Ministry of Home Affairs recommendations on legislative amendments, which will be tabled this year.

“With that said, in most cases, this is a people problem stemming from irresponsible dog owners.

“Unfortunately, some owners believe that because their dog has always presented itself as gentle, they will never cause harm — until they do.

“Dog owners must always have their dogs, large and small, under control.

“Should a member of the public wish to report any urgent dog-related matters, please call the Bermuda Police Service on 211 or call the dog warden on 239-2327 for non-urgent matters.”

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, highlighted his commitment to tackling the increasing number of dog-related incidents last February, after he met representatives from the SPCA, the Bermuda Kennel Club and other experts.

The groups estimated at the time that there could be as many as 2,000 illegal pitbulls on the island.

Mr Roban, speaking about American pitbulls, said in March that the Government responded to calls to ease prior restrictions on the breed in 2018.

He added: “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 minister, who is also the Deputy Premier, announced his call for the reconvening of an ad hoc canine committee, which would be made up of people involved in animal welfare, behaviour and training.

Mr Roban also said at the time that, based on advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, his ministry would consider amendments to the Dogs Act 2008 in efforts to make sure that the animals were better controlled.

On Monday, an on-duty crew from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service saw “two aggressive pitbulls” close on the heels of a young man running into oncoming traffic on Middle Road, Southampton.

“They observed these dogs attack not only oncoming vehicles but the fire truck as well,“ the BFRS said in a statement.

“Multiple people were attacked as these quick-thinking firefighters used the truck siren to distract the dogs and the truck itself to shield oncoming traffic and pedestrians from the dogs.”

The Bermuda Police Service said that at about 11.20am on January 1, officers were sent to the Cliff Crescent area of the parish in response to “a report of two pitbull dogs on the loose”.

“Upon arrival, one of the dogs was found lying lifeless on the roadway after it had reportedly been struck by a car.

“The other remained on the loose and officers were informed it had bitten two people.

“Officers eventually located the dog at a residence on Cliff Crescent. They were forced to use Captor spray to keep the animal at bay.

“The animal warden was called in and the dog was captured without further incident.”

The home affairs ministry added yesterday: “On arrival at the scene, the two dog wardens, accompanied by the police, recovered a lifeless dog found lying on the road.

“Subsequently, the dog wardens identified a second unsecured dog found at a nearby residence which was taken into possession.

“As this matter is under investigation, no further information will be shared.”

• Information and advice for dog owners is available online atgov.bm/regulations-pertaining-animals-island

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Incidents 2017 to July 2022

• Forthe full breakdown of incidents from 2017 to July 2022, see Related Media