Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson has welcomed input from the public about growing problems with dogs on the Island and said he hoped to get extra cash to deal with it.

The MP spoke out following a public meeting last Friday where veterinary surgeons, dog wardens and Opposition members said the only way Government would sit up and listen was if it was subjected to a barrage of complaints.

They said Bermuda was in desperate need of additional dog wardens and extra dog kennels if it was to get a handle on the problem of dog fighting, indiscriminate breeding, animal cruelty and strays.

And with new tighter controls on the care of dogs being introduced, more people and cash than ever are going to be needed to enforce the law and improve standards.

People are being encouraged to lobby Government into giving the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries greater resources to deal with the increasing difficulties.

Mr. Hodgson, who was unable to act as a panelist at Friday's meeting, said he had always encouraged public participation.

"I was very sad that I could not make Friday's meeting, but I had to stay in the House of Assembly,'' he said.

"However, I would welcome people's concerns and ideas. We have to involve the people, it's their Government.

"Additional dog wardens are under consideration at the moment. I hope to get some more. If we had extra wardens we could ensure that more dogs were licensed, so it could be justified.

"Providing more kennel space is a little bit more difficult. We are doing some renovations there at the moment and we will have to see how it goes.'' The Royal Gazette revealed last month how the Government dog kennels were well below par, with some dogs being held for months on end without hardly any exercise and little natural light.

Two dog wardens are charged with not only monitoring and seizing dogs across Bermuda, but also feeding and cleaning the animals taken into their care because there is no kennel hand employed.

Some improvements are currently being carried out to the kennels, including increasing the capacity from 12 animals to 17, but experts say much more is needed for Government to get to the bottom of the problem.

At the public meeting on Friday night, organised by Vincent Madeiros of the Good Dog 101 group, an audience of more than 100 people was told to make a stand against Government and demand greater resources.

Vet and panelist at the meeting Andrew Madeiros, who is chairman of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), told members of the public that he shared their concerns about the need for more Government dog wardens and improved kennels.

"I don't think the department right now has the tools it needs to do what it has to do,'' said the vet.

"We (SPCA) are trying to do everything we can to assist them in getting what they need.

"We have had several meetings and I can assure everyone sitting here that a new kennel facility and more staff is not on the agenda for higher Government.

"Members of the public must push for it. It will take a public push to make them understand because, quite frankly, dog issues are not really considered big enough issues.'' However, he said if Government provided more wardens to help combat the problems, more dogs would be taken into care and additional kennels needed.

Andrew Madeiros added: "The dog kennel, even after the additional five kennels have been put in, is still going to be way, way, way too small and that is no fault of the wardens. The only way to deal with the problem is having a facility and the manpower to deal with it.'' Minister responds to dog concerns Government vet Jonathan Nisbett informed people at the meeting about the new legislation, but also said people needed to put pressure on the Government.

He said: "I believe Government is aware of the problems we are facing with dogs on the Island, but possibly does not appreciate how big a problem it is.

"For Government it is probably low down on its list of priorities, behind things like education, health and transport. There are other pressing issues.

"I would encourage dog lovers and owners to write with their concerns and ideas to Government.'' Mr. Madeiros organised the meeting at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to enable people to voice their concerns about dogs and also to clarify what amendments were being made to the Dogs Act.

Everybody there was agreed that Government needed to get tough on irresponsible owners, without hitting responsible owners.

Dog lover Jennifer Johnson called for better Government facilities, but also improved education on dog care, starting with schoolchildren.

Vincent Madeiros said he was delighted with the attendance and hoped the meeting could be the first of many.

He encouraged people to lobby Government and said he was considering launching a petition in a bid to raise awareness and increase the Department's budget.

"I think this whole issue needs to be put back into the hands of the people and we must push to get things done,'' he said.

"Money is not going to be forthcoming unless we put on pressure. We all need to be pro-active.'' Shadow Environment Minister Gary Pitman was at the meeting on Friday and criticised Mr. Hodgson for failing to show up.

He has voiced concerns about the dog facilities on the Island and said the public should whip Government into action.

Mr. Pitman said: "This is a perfect opportunity for members of the public to speak up. A petition on something like this will speak louder than words.'' Letters concerning dogs should be sent to John Barnes, Director, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Post Office Box HM834, Hamilton HMCX.

Due to technical problems, we were unable to print the entire story on Friday night's public meeting in yesterday's edition of The Royal Gazette . We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson