problems associated with growing numbers of wild animals such as chickens, cats and rabbits.

The group, which has not yet been named, will be asked to determine the extent of the problems and make recommendations. Legislation to control feral numbers is a possibility.

Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons has sent a letter to animal groups, the National Trust's environmental committee and the Farmer's association asking for names to sit on the committee.

Its mandate, when appointed, will be to determine what, if any, problems there are with the feral animal population and to recommend solutions.

The last time such an initiative was undertaken was in 1978 when there was a problem with wild dogs. It eventually produced the Dogs Act, which has been largely successful in bringing the dog problem under control.

However, it is the only such legislative instrument created to control animal problems.

Mr. John Barnes, the director of Agriculture & Fisheries, said there was no legislative directive for specific government departments to take action against animals such as wild cats.

"At present, there is no legislation to deal with it. We've not mandate (to deal with the situation) at all.'' Mr. Barnes said problems of feral animals has grown as Bermuda has become more urbanised.

"People are living closer together and there is less tolerance for animals,'' he said. "Owner irresponsibility is also another problem.'' The latest report of a feral animal problem came out of Warwick where residents expressed anger with the numbers of wild chickens destroying gardens and making noise.

Early this year, Government conservation officer Mr. David Wingate reported the existence of a growing population of wild rabbits at Blue Hole Hill in Hamilton Parish.