following a rise in complaints about dumped dead dogs and cats around the Island.

A number of people have called the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to report disregarded animal corpses they had found around Bermuda.

And inspector for the animal welfare charity Charles Whited said it was obvious that some of them had been deliberately disposed of because the owners did not want the creatures to be found or seen by a vet.

But he said many owners had probably just been totally unaware of the humane, more healthy methods available on the Island.

Mr. Whited said: "I need to appeal to people to make sure they dispose of their animals properly due to a recent increase in the number of complaints we have received from people who found animal carcasses that have been inappropriately disposed of.

"I do not wish to go into detail of how or where they have been found.

"But needless to say, it is a problem and there really is no need for it to be happening. But too many people are doing it, and too many people are calling me saying they have found decomposing carcasses.'' But the animal welfare officer said there were many options open to people whose pets had deceased. And many of them did not cost a great deal.

He added: "If your animal has deceased, it is your responsibility as a responsible pet owner to ensure that it is buried or disposed of in an appropriate manner.

"If you are unable to bury or dispose of any animal yourself, then there are people you can call who will do it for you.'' Dead pets being dumped Government Vet Jonathan Nisbett said he had not received increasing numbers of calls about the bad habit, but said he had known instances of it, including one in the past month which the Government dog warden had to deal with.

He said his major concern was the health risks.

He added: "There are major concerns about animals that are not disposed of properly, not least the health hazards.

"They can create a bad odour, attract and lead to infestations of flies, they carry disease, which feral animals can pick up, and can be upsetting for the people living nearby or who find them.

"Animals should not be disposed of inappropriately. If anyone is going to bury their pet, they should ensure it is buried at least six feet deep, and should take advice first, otherwise they can take it to the garbage dump, or to a local vet.'' Vet Maureen Cieters-Ware, of Hanover Veterinary Hospital, said her charges for putting a dog to sleep and disposal were deliberately kept as low as possible to encourage people to use safe, humane methods.

But she advised everyone wishing to dispose of an animal themselves to speak to a vet first to ensure there were no health risks. If an animal is found dead in a public place, then Government's Waste Management department should be called on 297-7946 between normal office hours.

If an animal that appears to have been owned by someone is found dead, then people should call the SPCA, so an investigation can be carried out to discover who it belonged to, on 236-7333, or the Government dog warden on 2360-4201.

There are also other firms that will dispose of dead pets.