to death on February 11, joined others this week calling for more protection of pets and a crackdown on those convicted of cruelty to animals.

Dog breeder Debria Smith says she's out $4,000 with the loss of Zico, her main breeding male. She says she's due criminal compensation just like any other business.

"I've got about a dozen people waiting for pups but now I've lost my stud.

When you add up all the vet bills, licencing and breeding fees the Government wants, we're talking about $4,000.

"I can't understand how Government can put so much emphasis on licensing and breeding, but then do nothing to enforce its own cruelty laws,'' she told The Royal Gazette . "I can accept the loss of a dog, but I can't accept the way I lost it.'' Ms Smith also slammed Police for dragging their feet in the investigation.

Since losing Zico nearly two weeks ago, she has heard nothing from the Police, she said.

Ms Smith's comments follow similar remarks by the President of the Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Joanne MacPhee, and veterinarian Maureen Ware.

Dr. Ware recently took aim at the Courts, slamming magistrates as soft on those found guilty of cruelty to animals. In a letter to the Editor, she said a man who starved rabbits and pigeons in their cages received a conditional discharge.

Investigating officer, Parish constable John Clutterbuck, was unavailable to comment.