An animal advocacy group is disappointed that it has received no response from the government-appointed Canine Advisory Committee on the future of pitbulls in Bermuda.

Punish the Deed not the Breed Bermuda has been petitioning Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment, to move pitbull-type dogs off the prohibited list and on to the restricted list instead.

In May, Ms Atherden appointed the Canine Advisory Committee “whose remit includes recommendations to the minister on issues including restricted breeds of dog and any relevant considerations regarding existing bans”.

A spokeswoman for Punish the Deed not the Breed said: “To date, we have not received a response.

“We feel that 90 days is ample time for the committee to review the letter that included our intentions and educational information on bull terriers specifically.

“We are disappointed by the government-appointed committee’s lack of response but not discouraged in our solid commitment to bring about positive change in Bermuda.”

According to a government spokesman, Ms Atherden “has reviewed the interim report by the Canine Advisory Committee and is awaiting further documentation to determine next steps”.

Punish the Deed not the Breed presented the committee with a letter, breed information and relevant legislation amendments on August 20 “in an effort to provide information and initiate healthy dialogue regarding the killing of banned breeds and the need for humane legislation in Bermuda”.

The group’s spokeswoman added: “We will continue to make contact with the canine committee and will remain steadfast in our efforts to grow support both locally and overseas to create legislation that holds pet owners responsible instead of unfairly executing that punishment on innocent animals.”