A committee to "examine and make recommendations on what the Island should do to address the worsening problem'' of wild animals has been formed by Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons.

The panel, which consists of 12 volunteers and is headed by veterinarian Dr.

Andrew Madeiros, comes in response to "public concern'' over an increase in the number of feral cats, chickens, rabbits, dogs and pigeons.

Such animals, the Environment Ministry said in a statement, can contribute to everything from land erosion and unpleasant odours to the transmission of diseases and fouling of roots and water tanks.

Consequently, the new committee has been asked to: Identify the problems that may be caused by both wild and domestic animals on the Island.

Develop effective solutions to the problems identified.

Prepare a report to the Minister that includes recommendations.

Among the members of the newly formed committee are Mrs. Betty Leighton, Mr.

Charles Burgess, Mrs. Kim Horsford, Mrs. Morag Smith, Mr. Charles Butterfield, Mr. Malcolm Butterfield, Mr. Thomas Wadson, Dr. Maureen Ware-Cleters, Mr.

Louis Ray, Mr. Ronnie Lopes and Mr. Richard Bascome.

Representing a wide range of animal-related organisations and professions, they met for the first time last week and agreed that a "comprehensive approach, including public education, would be needed if inroads were to be made''.

"Everyone's suggestion is going to be education,'' Mr. Lopes, vice-president of the Bermuda Poultry Fanciers Association and a member of the SPCA, told The Royal Gazette .

He said that last year's SPCA publicity drive to make sure people did not leave their dogs in parked cars without fresh water or air had been very effective.

Sen. Simons, meanwhile, said the committee would be performing a very valuable service.

"We have a problem and we need to look at all possible approaches,'' he said, including legislation on the list of committee objectives.

Government veterinarian Dr. Neil Burnie added that Agriculture and Fisheries officials would be assisting the committee "as observers and advisors rather than the drivers''.

In trying to pinpoint the cause of the wild animal problem, Mr. Lopes said it did not really stem from the kittens and puppies Bermudians get as Christmas presents.

Children would not think of dumping their pets, he said, adding: "Kids are innocent.'' Rather, Mr. Lopes explained, the problem comes from "irresponsible grown-ups''.

He said that the need for an import permit and the cost of importing chickens from the United States has not kept many Bermudians from abandoning the birds, which can cause great problems for farmers when dumped near arable land.

Irresponsibility was definitely a factor in the feral chicken problem, Mr.

Lopes added.

Sen. Simons said he hoped members of the public would share their ideas with Agriculture and Fisheries while committee members discussed the issues with the organisations they represent.

In the 1970s, a similar committee was struck to deal with the packs of wild dogs that were then roaming the Island. Its report resulted in the 1978 Dogs Act, which greatly reduced the problems caused by the dogs.