to other countries.

That was the conclusion from the World Congress of Kennel Clubs meeting at the Hamilton Princess yesterday.

The United Kingdom and Ireland's stringent dog laws, introduced because of attacks on humans, are more severe than the Island's get tough policy which began early this year.

But Bermuda's law is stronger than much state legislation in the United States.

Chairman of the Kennel Club, Mr. John MacDougall outlined the laws relating to dangerous dogs in England.

Unlike the Bermudian laws, the United Kingdom and Irish laws specify dogs which are subject to legislation.

In Britain they were introduced because of attacks by pit bull terriers, and an attempt was made to ban the dog. It also affected dogs bred in Japan, Brazil and Argentina specifically for fighting.

Mr. MacDougall pointed out that people in Britain could not own these types of dogs unless they had a certificate of redemption, the dogs were neutered, fitted with transponders and were insured.

The dogs must be muzzled and be held by someone at least 16 years of age.

Since March 1, many dogs received identity tattoos as part of the new laws.

He said: "The pit bull terrier we see as a cross breed which came into our country and was brought in for fighting purposes.

"It has been used by the criminal classes of the country. Pit bull terriers have been dumped at Battersea Dogs' Home when drug runners have been taken into custody. They had been used as weapons against the Police searching their homes.'' Irish delegate, Mr. Tom Creamer said the situation in Ireland was worse with nine dogs on the restricted list. Mr. MacDougall said: "The laws were introduced as a result of two attacks. One on a child and one on an adult.

"Since then the Police have said that there has been a drop in the number of attacks. And Home Office minister Chris Wardle says the number of injuries has fallen.'' Mr. Creamer pointed out that the Irish were leading the way in identifying breeds of dogs using DNA fingerprinting.

British expert on animal behaviour Dr. Roger Mugford, who will lecture the congress on dog psychology today, hit out at the Kennel Club.

Dr.Mugford said: "The Kennel Club have been unhelpful saying that there is no such breed called a pit bull terrier. It is 150 years old and has an authorised eight generation heritage.

"The Kennel Club should have made some opposition to the laws. They are just not in touch with what is happening on the streets.

"If a Policeman in England does not like the look of a dog's owner he may arrest him for having a dog which he believes is dangerous. Any court case is going to cost the public a lot of money.'' Dr. Mugford will speak about Dog Psychology at the Pembroke Sunday School on Friday, beginning at 8 p.m.

EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY -- The Bermuda Post Office last week issued a first day cover commemorating the Seventh World Conference of Kennel Clubs being held at the Hamilton Princess this week.