Dead dogs dumped at a waste facility prompted assurances that there was no risk to public health and the animals were disposed of safely.

At least ten pitbulls were found exposed and unburied at the Marsh Folly Composting Facility on Saturday.

The sight prompted the head of a dog sanctuary to call for a crackdown on “overwhelming” illegal dog breeding.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment acknowledged the “sensitivity” of the matter — but emphasised that the process for disposing of animals was safe and effective.

He added: “The disposal of animal remains is a necessary but difficult responsibility, and all efforts are made to manage this process with care and dignity.”

The ministry spokesman said that the animals were left at a designated section of the marsh separate from all public-facing operations.

He explained: “The location is specifically reserved for disposing of animal carcasses received from various sources, including veterinary clinics, agricultural operations and animal control services.”

The spokesman added: "Upon arrival at the site, carcasses are placed in a dedicated burial area and buried by the end of the working day.

“This process is conducted using the environmental operating licence issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.”

The ministry spokesman assured the public that the animals at the site had been buried by the end of the day.

He added that any assumptions that animals were left exposed was “inaccurate”.

The ministry spokesman said that no animal remains were “ever included in the composting process” at the plant.

He added that this case had been consistent with the Government’s disposal procedures, which had been in place for more than 30 years.

The ministry spokesman said: “It is essential to understand that this is a controlled and licensed method of disposal that presents no risk to public health.”

April Augustus, the executive director of the Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, clarified that the Marsh Folly Composting Facility was the official spot to dispose of animal remains.

She said that Marsh Folly staff were responsible for burying carcasses and were “usually prompt” with disposal.

Ms Augustus added: “However, we recognise that any delay in this process can be upsetting and may give the appearance of disrespect.”

She said: “The facility is designed to handle organic matter, which is why remains are not bagged or encased in non-biodegradable materials.

“While cremation and aquamation services are available on-island, they are often reserved for smaller animals or arranged privately.

“Unfortunately, when there are no alternatives available — due to size, cost or lack of ownership — Marsh Folly becomes the only option.”

Ms Augustus recognised how “distressing” the sight may have been, particularly for those concerned with animal welfare.

She said: “The SPCA shares this concern and believes that every animal, regardless of circumstance, deserves to be treated with dignity in both life and death.”

Ms Augustus added: “As a community, we must continue to strive for higher standards and more compassionate solutions.

“The SPCA remains committed to advocating for humane practices and welcomes opportunities to work alongside the Government and other stakeholders to ensure all animals are treated with the respect they deserve.”

Angel Cann, one of the founders of the pitbull sanctuary Save the Pitties, said the images reflected a larger problem of illegal puppy mills.

Ms Cann explained that Bermuda’s animal care centres were “overwhelmed” trying to care for stray dogs.

She added that breeders often gave away restricted breeds or sold them for cheap prices.

She said that “everybody wants a puppy but nobody wants a dog”, and it was common for people to abandon animals when they became too big.

Ms Cann said: “Our group is so overwhelmed with caring for these dogs.

“I feel bad for the wardens because they’re overwhelmed and they have no choice but to put them to sleep.”

Ms Cann, who also runs Puppy Love BDA, which connects pets with new homes, said that animal groups were working with wardens to stem the problem.

She admitted: “It’s not easy when people are being irresponsible with these dogs.”

Ms Cann said that those who illegally bred dogs had to be “made an example of” by law enforcement, or the situation would only worsen.

She added: “If no example is being made, and the Government doesn’t do something about this, 20 years from now we’re going to have wild dogs running around.”