Opposition MP calls for action on potentially dangerous dogs
Shadow Minister for the Environment, MP Linda Smith is calling on the Minister of Public Works & Environment to immediately release the long-awaited Canine Advisory Committee report and its recommendations.
She says a recent call by some to reinstate a ban on pit bull terriers is proof that current restrictions and enforcement efforts are failing.
Updating dog law legislation is in the interest of public safety and animal welfare. It is also important for ongoing animal control, managing healthy breeding populations, mandating proper animal shelter, improving data collection and increasing the number of dogs licensed, as required.
Government has been promising to bring forward legislation and new initiatives since the ad-hoc Canine Advisory Committee completed its work some two years ago.
Unfortunately, so far, the only deliverable has been an online dog licensing renewal process, which does nothing to control illegal breeding, neglect and dangerous conditions.
According to the Ministry’s own performance measures released in the 2026/2027 Budget, only 2600 dogs, or 25% of the eligible dog population, are licensed. If that is correct, then several thousand dogs that should be registered, are not.
A year ago, Public Works & Environment Minister the Hon. Jache Adams said dog control changes were being put on hold but that some recommendations were being considered. He said the recommendations up for consideration included a ticketing system for minor infractions, data collection in support of better animal housing, and a publicity campaign encouraging responsible animal ownership.
So far, there has been a lot of talk, but no teeth put in the effort to improve the dog control problem. We clearly need solid legislation and effective enforcement in place to protect our people and the welfare of our dog population. We do not need a publicity campaign, as most people who want to be responsible pet owners probably already are. If the Government wishes to provide real information to the public, the Ministry should stop stalling and release the report now, complete with recommendations as presented by the Committee.
