People who don't like dogs will now feel that bit safer in public areas because of new legislation aimed at making owners more responsible, Senators agreed yesterday.

Officers will have the power to seize and in certain circumstances destroy dangerous dogs under the Dogs Act 2008, which passed through the Upper House yesterday.

Among a raft of new policies, all dogs must be microchipped while owners will also be fined $50 for having an unleashed dog in a public place.

Senators mainly declared themselves dog lovers — and pointed to the rareness of dog attacks in Bermuda — but said that the new law would help non-dog loving tourists and locals feel more at ease.

Independent Senator Carol Bassett said it was very seldom that she goes out for a walk without seeing at least one big dog on the loose.

"If you are not a dog owner you could be very nervous when you see these dogs," said Sen. Bassett.

Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley told a story of how he once found two deliverymen cowering inside their van to hide from his dogs, which are so tough they are immune to poison but, according to the Senator, do not bite.

"A lot of people feel that any dog is going to bite them. We need to do what we can to make people feel comfortable," he said.

Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said: "Dogs may be man's best friend, but they can also be a serious threat if not properly controlled."

Progressive Labour Party Senator Marc Bean, who gave the legislation its reading, said Bermuda was not plagued by fatal dog attacks but added: "We must remain vigilant and not assume Bermuda is immune to this type of tragedy."

Also passed yesterday was the Fisheries Amendment Act (which increases fines for people who damage the marine environment); the Legal Deposit Act (which requires publishers and producers to take copies of their work to the national library to preserve Bermuda's heritage); and the Financial Intelligence Agency Amendment Act (which increases the number of people on the board combating terrorism and money laundering).

Speaking in the Motion to Adjourn, PLP Senator Walton Brown criticised the increase in parking rates in Hamilton and urged the Corporation of Hamilton to rethink its move. He said the only people impacted upon would be those of low income.

Later in the debate, Sen. Bean, who is also Junior Transport Minister, urged drivers to exercise more caution and courtesy on the roads in the light of 11 fatalities so far this year.

Meanwhile, in response to Parliamentary questions from the Opposition, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport revealed new Director of Tourism Billy Griffith has a salary of $142,833.

Nine people applied for the post, but Mr. Griffith was selected by a panel of Civil Service representatives and approved by the Public Service Commission and Governor Sir Richard Gozney.