been welcomed by a Bermudian charity.

UK Farm Minister Nick Brown yesterday backed proposals to bring a partial end to the mandatory six-month quarantine period faced by all animals entering the country. Animals from designated "low risk'' countries -- which includes Bermuda -- would be granted immediate entry after a screen or blood test.

Yesterday a representative from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the proposal was "great news'' as it would reduce the number of animals being abandoned on the Island.

SPCA office manager Phyllis Madeiros said: "I think it's great because it will mean that people who have adopted animals and have to go back to England can take their pets with them.

"A lot of people who adopt animals once they come out here have to give them up or give them back to us when they do eventually return home. Hopefully this will reduce the rate of return because people will want to take their animals back with them.

"Although some people to return with their pets that six month quarantine period is intimidating -- I wouldn't want my pet to go through it.'' The recommendations come in a report compiled by an independent group of experts led by University College London health professor Ian Kennedy.

Mr. Brown said on Wednesday that the Government was keen to adopt the advice of the panel and relax the draconian rules.