Hundreds of people have backed a new campaign calling for Government to address the Island's dog problems.

In less than 24 hours after being set up, more than 300 people signed a petition calling for action to help agencies struggling to cope with dog abuse, dog fights and overcrowded Government dog kennels.

Concerned animal-lover Tracy Harris said she decided to take action after the recent spate of Royal Gazette articles highlighting the issues facing Bermuda's canine community.

She began gathering signatures at noon on Wednesday and the number continues to climb. Miss Harris said: "I'm not a person who's usually politically involved, nor am I the kind of person who likes to make a lot of noise and bring attention to myself, but after reading yesterday's newspaper saying that Government isn't going to do anything without the urging of the public, I thought -- OK, I'm going to start this.

"The petition is to let our Government know that the animal lovers of Bermuda want more money to be spent on improving education for dog care, more dog wardens, better dog kennels and tougher laws for dealing with those who abuse animals.'' Miss Harris has sent copies of the petition to companies, veterinarian hospitals and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

She said she planned to collect the petitions on Saturday and present them to Government on Monday.

She said: "I could wait longer and get more signatures, but I want to show the Government in three days how many people signed.

"In less than 24 hours, we got over 300 signatures.'' Miss Harris said getting signatures for the petition was not difficult.

She said: "It's a win-win situation, because if you're a dog lover, you want more dog wardens to catch the abusers, and if you're not a dog lover, you want more wardens to catch the problem animals in your area.

"We're asking for ideas from the public rather than just complaining to Government.

"We're trying to propose solutions.

"I realise that our education isn't 100 percent at the moment and there are other pressing issues but, at the end of the day, parents and their children can speak for themselves, but animals that are being starved, or abused or fought and left to die cannot.'' Miss Harris invited anyone who wanted to sign a petition or has ideas for solving the problem to e-mail her at: tharris y northrock.bm.