A ban on importing certain breeds has cut the number of reported dog bites by more than half.

Since the Government ban in 2003, complaints have fallen by 59 per cent. Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield released the statistics yesterday, saying: "The trend is unmistakable. The policy, along with enforcement efforts, cooperation with the Police Service and the SPCA, and perhaps a heightened level of awareness on behalf of dog owners, has led to this decline."

Ms Butterfield said restrictions on the breeding and importation of certain dogs were introduced following "a deep concern for public safety" over "dogs of questionable temperament".

They include: Akita, American Bulldog, American Pitbull terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Aryan Molossus, Australian Dingo, Boerboel, Brazilian mastiff (Fila Brasileiro).

Also on the list are: Bull Terrier & Miniature Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Danish Broholmer, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa (Tosa Inu), Mastiff, Neopolitan Mastiff, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Rottweiler, Tibetan Mastiff, and Wolf & Wolf Hybrid. Crossbreeds of those listed are also banned.

A Government spokesman said last night: "Any exotic or uncommon breed may also be refused entry despite its absence from the list above. The list will be amended as necessary."

Since the Department of Environmental Protection stopped breeding and import permits in 2003, complaints of injuries to people have dropped, by 38 percent in 2003-2005 and 59 percent in 2005-2007.

Injuries to other animals fell by 15 percent in the last two years while complaints of chasing/threatening behaviour have also dropped by 54 percent.

The Department reports that complaints of cruelty and improper care by dog owners have also fallen by 73 percent.

However, Government acknowledges that illegal activities are continuing. Ms Butterfield said: "There are still challenges for the Animal Wardens and Police Service.

"But, like other crimes, it cannot be left only to the enforcement agencies to solve. These illegal activities are a community problem, and the officers need the assistance of the community to succeed."

Anyone witnessing any suspicious behaviour should contact the Police. Anonymous information can be left on the CrimeStoppers hotline at 1 800 623 8477.