problem with dogs on the Island.

Leading veterinary surgeons, dog wardens and members of the Opposition said the only way Government would sit up and listen was if it was subjected to a barrage of letters and calls of concern from the public.

And with new tighter controls on the care of dogs being introduced, more people and cash will be needed to enforce the law and improve standards.

The Royal Gazette revealed last month how the Government dog kennels were sub-standard, with some dogs being held for months on end without hardly any exercise and little natural light.

Two dog wardens are charged with not only monitoring and seizing dogs across Bermuda, but also feeding and cleaning the animals taken into their care.

Some improvements are currently being carried out to the kennels, including increasing the capacity from 12 animals to 17, but experts said much more is needed if Government is to get a handle on animal cruelty, illegal breeding, dog fighting and strays.

Dog lovers urged to lobby Govt.

At a public meeting on Friday night, organised by Vincent Madeiros, of the Good Dog 101 group, an audience of more than 100 people was told to make a stand against Government and demand greater resources.

Vet and panelist at the meeting Andrew Madeiros, who is chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), told members of the public that he shared their concerns about the need for more Government dog wardens and improved kennels.

"I don't think the department right now has the tools it needs to do what it has to do,'' Dr. Madeiros said. "We (he SPCA) are trying to do everything we can to assist them in getting what they need.

"We have had several meetings and I can assure everyone sitting here that a new kennel facilitiy and more staff is not on the agenda for higher Government.

"Members of the public must push for it. It will take a public push to make them understand because, quite frankly, dog issues are not really considered big enough issues.'' However, he said if Government provided more wardens to help combat the problems, more dogs would be taken into care and additional kennels needed.

Mr. Madeiros added: "The dog kennel, even after the additional five kennels have been put in, is still going to be way, way, way too small. And that is no fault of the wardens. The only way to deal with the problem is having a facility and the manpower to deal with it.'' And he added: "There is a problem with dogs on the Island, possibly bigger than anyone knows, but it is more a people problem than a dog problem.'' Government vet Jonathan Nisbett informed people at the meeting about the new legislation, but also said people needed to put pressure on the Government.

He said: "I believe Government is aware of the problems we are facing with dogs on the Island, but possibly does not appreciate how big a problem it is.

"For Government it is probably low down on its list of priorities, behind things like education, health and transport. There are other pressing issues.''