Property connected with animal fighting should be confiscated, an Opposition spokesman said last week.

Responding to the recent report on the busting of a dog fighting ring, Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons commended the Police on their success but called for a harder line when it comes to punishing such criminals.

"Dog fighting and bird/cockfighting are barbaric and despicable acts, which not only involve extreme animal abuse, but also illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, and other illegal activity," he said in an email to The Royal Gazette.

"We have some reasonable laws in this country regarding animal protection, but what needs to happen is for dog fighting to be responded to, like any other crime. Our laws must allow for the forfeiture of property connected with animal fighting, in much the same way cars and boats and other assets might be forfeited in a narcotics case. The proceeds realised from these heinous crimes must be ploughed back into Police efforts to end dog-fighting."

Mr. Simons called on the public to help Police combat animal fighting by reporting dog fights and any suspicions that an animal is being abused in that way.

"Bermuda must do all it can to eradicate dog fighting given that it easily leads to violence against humans. Gang members get kids to come to these dog fights, and when it's all over, a gang leader might harm the losing animal," he continued.

"This sends a message to our young people which says 'we don't tolerate losers'. Our children become desensitised. When you think about it, there's not such a big step between harming a defenceless animal and harming another human being."

Mr. Simons urged Government to "do more to educate the community on the tell tail signs of animal fighting. Our enforcement agencies, the SPCA and Dog Wardens must be involved in this process," he said.

And he called for a court advocacy system for cases involving animal abuse.

"These court advocates watch court proceedings, take notes, and carefully track the outcome of these cases," he said.

"Although they're not allowed to testify on behalf of victimised animals, their very presence sends a message to politicians, judges, and prosecutors that the public is not willing to tolerate this crime. Ultimately, only law enforcement action can end dog fighting. Just as child abuse, drunk driving, and domestic violence used to be swept under the rug, dog fighting will continue until people get outraged enough to force change."