Legislation regulating dogs is set to be “modernised”, according to the Throne Speech.

Among the proposed changes will be measures to set standards for the keeping of dogs, the banning of cosmetic surgical procedures on dogs and a review of controversial breed restrictions.

The speech also noted public concerns about the island’s cat population, both feral and domestic, stating: “The government will devise a strategy that incorporates humane treatment, methods of population control and partnerships between community charities and the Bermuda Veterinary Association.”

Deborah Titterton Narraway, executive director of the Bermuda SPCA, said she was pleased to hear the issued being addressed in the Speech.

“The SPCA has been involved in talks with various stakeholders regarding the feral cats in our community and will continue to work to find a collaborative approach to managing this population,” she said.

“The Bermuda SPCA submitted a comprehensive review and recommendation of the Dog’s Act 2008 to the Minister and the Canine Committee submitted a separate review.

“The SPCA is very interested to see how many of the recommendations put forth will be included and to see how comprehensive the modernisation will be.”

She said that the recommendations put forward by SPCA included elements mentioned in the Throne Speech, such as ensuring dogs have access to the “five freedoms”, explaining that such elements are not detailed in the 2008 act.

Ms Narraway also said that the “cosmetic surgery” element of the Throne Speech was a reference to cropping and docking — the surgical removal of part of a dog’s ears or tail for cosmetic purposes.

“A lot of the time that is done by the breeders, that often have no medical or veterinary training,” she said. “That then can cause health issues.”

Cosmetic cropping and docking has already been made illegal in some countries, such as England, Australia and some provinces in Canada, however other countries have not restricted the practice.

A spokesperson from Punish The Deed Not The Breed group said: “We are glad to hear prohibited dog legislation and the dog act itself mentioned as being on the agenda, and are fully in support of this being put forward asp to be amended to promote modern and relevant dog welfare and responsible ownership legislation.”