A ban is being lifted on dogs previously deemed too dangerous for Bermuda.People will be allowed to import and breed pets including Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and German Shepherds as long as they act responsibly as owners, Environment Minister Marc Bean said yesterday.To the relief of campaigners, Mr Bean also announced Government has decided against banning puppies and kittens from the UK, despite that country relaxing its rabies laws on January 1.The dangerous dogs ban was initially imposed by then Minister Dennis Lister in 2003 following increasing complaints of biting, injury and aggressive behaviour.Yesterday, Mr Bean told a press conference the ban would be eased after a review from a Canine Advisory Committee of dog experts.He said extremely dangerous dogs, such as Wolves and American Pitbull Terriers, remain prohibited. But less dangerous dogs, categorised “restricted breeds”, will be allowed as long as they are kept on a leash or in an escape-proof enclosure.Dog breeders welcomed the move, saying it allows them to train and breed animals and opens their door to international competition.Mr Bean told the media that since 2003 restricted breeds could only be imported or bred if a strong case was presented to the Department of Environmental Protection.He said that ban had helped decrease the number of complaints about dangerous dogs, but continued: “It soon became apparent that this policy was impacting responsible dog owners as well as irresponsible owners.”Under the new rules, restricted dogs can be bred or imported if their owners meet the following conditions:l dogs should be kept in an escape-proof enclosure, big enough to allow normal movements of the animal, with self-locking mechanism;l they may not be tied on the property, and must be on a leash and under the control of a person capable of maintaining control of the animal when not in the approved containment area;l anyone wishing to own a restricted breed must apply to have their property inspected to ensure they meet the requirements prior to obtaining the subject dog.“It should be stressed that any dog may have the propensity to become a threat or be dangerous to the community if the keeper of that dog does not socialise or train them,” said Mr Bean.Asked about fears of dangerous dogs putting people’s safety at risk, he told The Royal Gazette the onus is on owners to be responsible.Reacting yesterday, rottweiler breeder Jack Castle, who has campaigned against the ban for several years, said he will now be able to import dogs instead of visiting California to train them.“Now I can do more training here and take my dogs overseas for the competitions,” said Mr Castle.“I think it’s an accomplishment to put this committee in place and to make this policy change. This is a fitting way to finish out the year.”In the second half of yesterday’s press conference, Mr Bean quashed fears of a new ban on puppies and kittens from Britain.Government veterinary officer Jonathan Nisbett was reportedly in favour of blocking young animals from the UK as it eases its rabies regulations on January 1.This prompted protests from dog lovers and groups including Bermuda Kennel Club, Dog Training Club of Bermuda, International Dog Events Association, Bermuda Working Dog Club, WAG Agility, Bermuda Cat Fanciers Association, Bermuda Veterinary Association and the Bermuda SPCA.Mr Bean told the media yesterday: “We have concluded that the risk is sufficiently low to enable Bermuda to continue accepting dogs and cats of any age from the United Kingdom without requiring any rabies vaccination, and to allow these animals to enter Bermuda as young as three months of age.”Reacting, dog lover Carole Havercroft, who had led calls to leave the law untouched, said: “This is very good news. We respect and thank the Minister for listening to the many experienced and professional veterinarians, dog trainers, dog clubs and cat fanciers.“Campaigning for this outcome locally was a joint effort by a huge amount of individuals, and by all these entities.“We are all very relieved and believe that this decision is the right one for Bermuda at this time. It is so important for families to be able to import the right and most suitable pet for their lifestyle and at the correct age, as a young puppy or kitten.”