Regulations that would allow animal control officers to ticket dog owners over minor offences are expected soon, the Minister of Home Affairs said this week.

Walter Roban’s comment was in response to questions from the One Bermuda Alliance on the issue.

Robin Tucker, the Opposition Leader in the Senate, asked earlier why the Government said the regulations were “complete” more than a year ago, but then confirmed last week that they were still not in force.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Roban said: "Regarding the ticketing regulations, I expect the ticketing regulations soon.

“However, this is only one tool for managing dogs and will be used specifically for minor offences.

“The existing Dogs Act already allows animal wardens to address these issues. Minor offences are being managed through the existing provisions of the Dogs Act.”

He highlighted that two cases of minor dog infractions were prosecuted successfully so far this year while two summonses were due to be served and more cases were expected to be submitted to the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Roban confirmed that a committee set up to examine ways to control dangerous dogs was expected to submit a report to the ministry today.

“Once I have the report, I will decide on the next steps,” he said.

“The ministry is also discussing other strategies to support the wardens as they work to address the issues surrounding dogs in the community and take the necessary steps to protect and ensure families can enjoy the outdoors without fear of dangerous or unruly dogs."

Last month, an American visitor was mauled by a loose pitbull on South Road in Warwick.

In April, four animal control staff underwent extra training, with the Ministry of Home Affairs reporting that complaints had doubled between 2021 to 2023.