Vets have backed plans to set up a new committee to solve the dog problems on the Island -- but are against former dog warden Leonard (Shinah) Simons as chairman.

The Bermuda Veterinary Association (BVA) has written to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries expressing concern that Mr. Simons was too close to the issue.

President of the group, vet Andrew Madeiros, who is also chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said the association believed the committee members should be allowed to decide who should be their leader.

He said the group was very supportive of the new committee, which is to meet for the first time at the beginning of November, but felt the appointment of Mr. Simons as chairman could prevent people from speaking out.

He said maybe a new approach on the problems was needed.

"We are very eager to participate in the committee as we believe it could be very positive for Bermuda and could really help to solve some of the problems,'' said Mr. Madeiros.

"However, we have raised concerns about the choice of Shinah as chairman.

"We feel that he is too close to the problems, having only given up the post of dog warden a year ago, and some members of the commitee may be afraid to speak out and be controversial.

"A lot of the problems with dogs have not just arisen -- they have been around for a long time, while Shinah was dog warden, and we feel maybe we need a completely new approach.

"People might feel that they are unable to criticise what has gone on in the past, when Shinah was heavily involved.

"Putting Shinah in the position of chairman leaves him open to criticism, and as much for his own sake, we think it would be better if the committee were given the opportunity to choose.

"It may well be that they vote him as chairman, but at least it would be their decision and it would be more democratic.'' The BVA will be represented on the committee, which has been specifically set up by Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson following numerous concerns over dog fighting, illegal breeding and animal cruelty on the Island.

During the last week it has been rumoured that the commitee is thinking about banning all dog breeding for the next fives years, as well as banning the importation of all dogs.

However, Mr. Madeiros said it was his personal view that such drastic measures were not needed.

He said there was no need to penalise responsible dog owners by having outright bans on everyone.

But he said both the BVA and the SPCA were eager to see improved legislation and greater use of the current law that ensured people who broke the rules were punished severely and every time.

He added: "That's why we think this committee is such a good idea because it involves people in the community who are really involved in dogs and who care about dogs.

"Hopefully, people in the community will raise their concerns with the group and then the committee will come up with different ideas and proposals. It will be members of the community that get a voice.

"Quick fixes can often lead to other problems. There is not necessarily a need for such drastic measures.'' The Royal Gazette was unable to contact Mr. Simons last night. However, Environment Minister Mr. Hodgson said he was eager to hear what ever the vets group had to say.

He added: "Whatever recommendations they would like to make, I would be very pleased to consider them.

"Of course, allowing the committee to choose their own chairman may be considered. We are open to all points of view.'' Former Policeman Mr. Simons gave up the job of dog warden after a number of years to take up the post of truancy officer at the Ministry of Education.

Leonard (Sinah) Simons