MP Robin Tucker On Dog Control Reform
“If dog‑control reform is truly a priority for this Government, why after almost 18 months of receiving the Canine Advisory Committee report, hasn’t it been tabled and why hasn’t the Government presented the long promised legislative reform,” OBA MP Robin Tucker said.
MP Robin Tucker said, “The Government confirmed in mid-June 2025 that the Canine Advisory Committee submitted its final report in December 2024 and that the report included significant recommendations to address the dangerous dogs and dog attack issue – yet those findings and recommendations still have not been shared with the public.
“To date, there has been no update on when the associated legislative reform will be brought to Parliament.
“For more than a year, the Government has spoken about strengthening dog‑control laws, improving enforcement, and introducing a ticketing system for minor infractions. Those commitments date back at least to January 2024, when the Ministry of Home Affairs said legislation would be tabled that summer.
“That deadline passed with no meaningful progress shared with the public. Despite repeated assurances that recommendations were ‘under active review,’ to date, legislative updates have not been presented. The responsibility for dog control then shifted to the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, and yet, still nothing.
“If dog‑control reform is truly a priority for this Government, why after almost 18 months of receiving the Canine Advisory Committee report, hasn’t it been tabled and why hasn’t the Government presented the long promised legislative reform?
“Or, at the very least given the public an update on its progress?
“Bermudians and their pets deserve to be protected from dog attacks. All necessary protections and guardrails must be in place before the next dog attack happens, not after an unfortunate incident. So, I ask the Government, what were the Canine Advisory Committee Report findings and recommendations? When will the Report be tabled and when can the public expect the long-awaited legislative reform needed to effectively address dog control as the Government promised in 2024?”
“That deadline passed with no meaningful progress shared with the public”… this could become our Bermuda motto.
The PLP Government shys away from any legislation that might negatively impact their voting base. Dog Reform is only one such piece of legislation. The revision of the Rent Control Act is another. Tabled in the HOA, then delayed, delayed, delayed.
Totally agree. Any legislation that is proposed for the greater good and benefit of our country and community but is spurned by their voting base = NEVER to see the light of day. Many citizens literally have to DIE and the looming threat of an election defeat before this government rids the island of dangerous dogs and severely punishes delinquent dog owners.
Hungary’s electorate finally woke up and booted Orban out of office. Until we wake up in Bermuda, dog attacks and “moon crater sized” potholes will continue to plague us.
Thank-you MP Tucker for bringing this long overdue subject to the forefront.
Next time you are in Hamilton South, please take a drive through your
constituency.
I would not suggest a stroll, as it could lead to a serious attack.
You will find that every other household has a dog or several dogs, mostly unlicensed, with pitbulls and cross breeds in the mix.
The dog wardens definitely need more enforcement powers so that they can carry out their duties in a timely manner and the perpetrators need to be brought before the courts and given heavier fines and jail sentences if need be.