Experts in Bermuda say the number of dog fights in Bermuda has dropped — but they warn that well organised and big money fights will still happen on the Island.

It comes after American football star Michael Vick was this week jailed for 23 months for running a dog fighting operation in the US.

The Atlanta Falcons quarterback had more than 50 dogs In Bermuda dog wardens and veterinarians agree that dog fighting is in decline following the ban on importing certain 'dangerous' breeds in 2003.

Since the ban, which covers breeds such as pit bulls, mastiffs, Rottweilers and bull terriers, there has been a 59 percent drop in dog bites, while complaints of cruelty by owners have fallen 73 percent, from 169 in 2001-3 to 45 in 2005-7.

Government Veterinary Officer Jonathan Nisbett however, recently admitted that "well-organised, big money fights still occur".

"The information we receive is always after the fact," he said. "It is difficult to infiltrate the inner circle of associates, which can take several months up to years."

Head dog warden Jeffrey Benevides said that in the past, most complaints originated in Pembroke, but fights would occur all over the Island — even in people's gardens. "It could happen anywhere," he said.

Mr. Benevides said that since the Dogs Act 1978 there have been no prosecutions for dog fighting in Bermuda, but some of those involved have been convicted for associated offences, such as cruelty or having unlicensed dogs.

Offences against the Dogs Act are punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or six months imprisonment.

"The situation is getting better, there are not as many calls to us as there were in the past," he said.

"Since the ban on importing pit bulls and other breeds in 2003, it has gone quiet and we seem to have got the situation under control.

"In the last five years it's got a lot better because of awareness among members of the public, but although it has stabilised it hasn't stopped completely.

"If I knew it had gone underground I would go after them, but I haven't seen the signs.

"But anyone involved in dog fighting is generally involved in other illegal activity so they are harder to catch. It would happen in places which are unaccessible."

One way of measuring the prevalence of dog fighting in the community is by the number of pit bulls brought into animal rescue shelters.

Inspector Beaman Smith of the SPCA said: "Recently we haven't had any dogs come in injured or even with anything we suspect has been done in a fight.

"I'm not saying it's not happening, but I've been here for three years and haven't seen any dog come in all scarred and beat up. We are always on the watch for cruelty."

Diana Downs, SPCA President, added: "It's quiet at the moment but that's not to say it's not still going on."

Dr. Neil Burnie of Endsmeet Animal Hospital is a former Government Veterinarian who has worked in general practice for the past ten years.

He agreed that dog fighting was in decline on the Island, but said: "It's always been underground."

Dr. Burnie said: "We see less animals badly chewed up than we used to but I suspect the hardcore dog fighters still exist, and that those dogs never get taken to a veterinarian."

He said some owners tie heavy galvanised steel 'mooring' chains around the necks of their animals, to strengthen up their "fighting muscles".

"Dog wardens still pick up dogs from time to time and bring them to veterinary practices for treatment, so we do see animals in various stages of neglect and abuse. Some of those dogs will come in with heavy collars or boat chains."

Dr. Burnie claimed anyone caught up in dog fighting was "a wimp".

"If they really want to fight that badly they should do it themselves," he said. "Let the dogs sit on the sidelines and let the two guys go to it with the same degree of ferocity that the dogs have to use.

"Instead of a dog being a symbol of your own bravado, get in the ring yourself. It's a cowardly way to let a dog fight for you."

Dr. Burnie added that many of the dogs on the 2003 banned list made loving family pets.

"The legislation to ban dangerous dog breeds is a misguided attempt to control fighting," he said.

"I've seen responsible owners being prevented from having their beloved dog, because of this legislation. It tars all dogs with the same brush.

"It suggests the breed is the problem rather than the individual dog owner. The responsibility should be with the owner. There are many of these banned dogs who are loving family pets."

According to Dr. Burnie and Mr. Benevides, underground breeding of certain banned dogs still goes on.

Mr. Benevides said: "We have seen an increase in illegal puppies such as pit bulls, so I would like to remind the public that those dogs are illegal and can be taken from you and destroyed.

"We would encourage the public to contact us if they are unsure or if they have any information about dog fighting."

Anyone witnessing any suspicious behaviour or cruelty should contact the dog wardens on 239 2327 or the confidential Police Crimestoppers hotline on 1 800 623 8477.

The SPCA also receives anonymous calls on 236 7333.