An illegally bred cross pitbull puppy will be spending the rest of her life in Canada after a couple took her back to their hometown, but the controversy over illegal litters continues.

The puppy spent three weeks being socialised at the SPCA while the animal shelter investigated a possible US transfer that later fell through.

"We were a bit concerned because we knew we weren't going to be able to get her licensed but a Canadian resident came and saw her and took her back to Canada," said Jodi Corbett, kennel administrator for the SPCA.

The puppy was scheduled to leave on a Canadian-bound flight yesterday afternoon.

The pitbull cross puppy, first featured in The Royal Gazette last month, is a breed listed on the dangerous dog ban implemented last July.

Although dogs entering Bermuda from North America must have up-to-date rabies vaccines dogs leaving the Island have it much easier.

"It's really easy getting dogs out of Bermuda because we are rabies free but dealing with the airlines can be the problem as certain temperature requirements must be met," said Dr. Andrew Madeiros, chairman of the SPCA.

A petition against the Government's policy has been gaining momentum on the Internet.

Jennifer Stervinou, the sponsor of the petition, is planning on taking a copy of the petition which last evening had over 500 signatures to the Environment Ministry.

"This will give an idea of how many people have signed this petition," said Ms. Stervinou. "My intention is to take it to the Minister tomorrow (Friday) with the list of names so far that I will print off.

"This hasn't even been running for a week and I think it says quite a lot and shows that people have an issue with the policy."

The Environment Ministry has said it will not lift the ban but has requested and received written submissions from dog groups in the hope of achieving common ground.

Dr. Madeiros said he will be meeting next week with members of the Environment Ministry.

"They had wanted to know what the SPCA's perspective is so we'll make an official response this coming week with the Ministry."

"It will make them aware of the impact that this ban is having on the SPCA," he said.