An animal rights activist may have edged closer to solving some of the Island's dog problems.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson has hinted a special action group may be set up to tackle the issues faced by agencies struggling to tame the canine community.

The Minister's comments come after he met with animal lover Tracy Harris, who collected hundreds of names and suggestions on a petition calling for more dog wardens and stricter laws for animal abusers and the owners of unlicensed animals.

Mr. Hodgson said he had received calls from people offering conflicting opinions on the state of Bermuda's dog problems.

Although claiming many of the suggestions offered in the petition were already legislated, Mr. Hodgson said that a few original ideas had cropped up.

"One of these was to use prisoners to help take care of the dogs in government kennels. That seems to me to be a worthwhile suggestion,'' he said.

Ms Harris said the minister told her he had already proposed the introduction of two new dog wardens, but she cautioned that this alone would not be enough.

She said: "A huge problem is that two new dog wardens, although well-meaning, are only going to add to the problem until the licensing and illegal breeding is resolved...'' Ms Harris is still taking suggestions over email at tharris y northrock.bm