Ministerial Statement by the Minister of Home Affairs, The Hon. C. Walton D. Brown, Jr., JP, MP
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House about the work being done to progress amendments to the Dogs Act 2008 to improve the care and management of Bermuda’s dogs.
Mr. Speaker, The issues of how to best care for, manage and control dogs has been raised in this Honourable House on numerous occasions. Issues debated have included how to manage illegal breeding, animal abuse and neglect, and more effective methods of enforcement.
The focus for much of this debate, however, has been on how to best manage problematic breeds, such as the “pitbull” and associated controversial breed specific policies. The challenge continues to be in finding the right balance between the desire to have one’s dog of choice and ensuring public safety.
As a consequence, there is a need to develop a system of management that is practical, enforceable and provides a robust regulatory framework for dogs.
Mr. Speaker, the Dogs Act 2008 succeeded the Dogs Act 1978 and was meant to introduce many positive enhancements. The 2008 Act, however, never became operational because of challenges with potentially weaker enforcement on some crucial aspects, such as breeding of dogs. Once amended, the Dogs Act 2008 and new accompanying regulations will provide the means necessary to best manage the island's canines.
Mr. Speaker, a number of key stakeholder groups have helped pave a way to a solution by identifying key issues, priorities and potential solutions. Consultation to date includes submissions from the Canine Advisory Committee (CAC), The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and The Bermuda Veterinary Association. The CAC has reached out to groups such as Punish the Deed not the Breed and Fetch Fido.
Mr. Speaker, the input received shows a broad consensus between these groups and has allowed for the development of a sound “road map” of proposals.
The resulting recommendations fall broadly into three categories:
- Improving the general care of dogs which will reduce animal abuse and neglect.
- Creating a better regulatory framework that will protect the public and the wellbeing of dogs by promoting more responsible ownership of dogs; while allowing for a consultative based process for sound and consistent decision making relating to dog breeds.
- Developing better compliance and enforcement tools to ensure that members of the public who do not comply with the provisions of the legislation are punished; while at the same time minimizing costs to the public purse.
Mr. Speaker. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will be conducting two town hall meetings next week to discuss the issues and recommendations and to get public input.
The first meeting will be held at 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday 10th October 2017 at the Anglican Cathedral Hall. The second will be held at the same time on Wednesday 11th October at the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo.
Mr. Speaker. Our aim must be to develop a sustainable approach to canine management. I encourage members of the public to attend these meetings and share their concerns and proposals.
Their input will conclude the public consultative process and allow the Government to shape the new legislative framework.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.