Time is running out for two American bulldogs that the SPCA will not send overseas because the organisation wants to `accept responsibility' for Bermuda's own problems.

"These dogs have issues... It's like saying we don't like these kids hanging around here, so let's just send them away," said Dr. Andrew Madeiros, chairman of the SPCA and head of the Bermuda Veterinarian Association. He added that palming the dogs off to the American Bulldog Association in the United States, which had been informally discussed, would not solve the problem.

The bulldogs, one male and one female, were brought into the shelter about four months ago, after being abandoned by their owner.

Dr. Madeiros said that they were advertised for adoption several times, however there was almost no interest in the dogs, which he said did not surprise him.

"They came in as a pair", he said. When the SPCA tried to separate them, however, the female especially was unable to deal with being away from the male. "We don't know how well they will adapt to being separated," said Dr. Madeiros.

The female is extremely fearful of everything, while the male is extremely aggressive towards small dogs and cats, especially cats.

Both dogs had previously been kept outside in a pen, and the SPCA was unsure as to how they would react to an indoor situation. They are about two years old, "they are not puppies, and, being bulldogs, they are not high up on the preferred list (of dogs to adopt) right off the bat," said Dr. Madeiros.

One man did show an interest in adopting the dogs, added Dr. Madeiros. Though he was willing to spay the female, he did not want to neuter the male.

The SPCA, however, has a strict policy that all dogs must be spayed or neutered within a week of being adopted. "We have a responsibility not just to the animals, but to society," said Dr. Madeiros. The interested person did not call back.

"We have to pick the best possible option," said Dr. Madeiros. The two dogs are currently taking up space which could be used for animals which are more easily adoptable, and which are now being euthanised instead.

Meanwhile, the option of sending the dogs overseas is looking less and less feasible.

"The Department of Agriculture & Fisheries euthanise between 200 and 300 dogs per year that we never see," said Dr. Madeiros.

"Are we going to send all of them away too? They euthanise thousands of dogs a year in the States. We don't want to start an exporting business... We want to focus attention on spaying, neutering, and educating the public."

He added that while no one from the SPCA had officially spoken to the American Bulldog Association (ABA) yet, he was unsure if the ABA knew the full story about these dogs. Also, he said, he felt that the trip itself was not fair on the dogs, particularly the female.

The SPCA will probably hold on to the dogs until tomorrow then, if no one comes forward to adopt them, says Dr. Madeiros, "maybe it's better to let these two animals go.

"I feel that the whole reason we (the SPCA) exist is a result of illegal breeding. If we have to make stands like this in the short-term for long-term results, then that's what it takes.

"It is not a pleasant situation," he said. "The volunteers are upset... it's hard when you are looking at two little faces, but the big picture is unfortunately not good. We have to make the best decisions we can."