The SPCA has recruited a new inspector from England with a wealth of experience in investigating animal cruelty.
Glyn Roberts previously worked for the RSPCA for 18 years across England and Wales.
And he helped bring scores of cases of abused and neglected animals before the British courts.
More recently he has been involved in animal welfare operations in tsunami-hit regions of Asia, Egypt and Malaysia.
Mr Roberts told the Sun he was keen to build bridges with all sections of the community to help tackle animal cruelty.
And he said he hoped to change some people’s perception that the SPCA is just a shelter.
Court
He said: “RSCPA inspectors in the UK are highly trained in investigating complaints of cruelty, gathering evidence and if necessary progressing the investigation to court.
“With my experience of gathering evidence and preparing prosecutions I hope I can raise the profile of the SPCA as an investigating force by working with the animal welfare community in Bermuda to bring people who abuse animals before the courts.
“People have to be made accountable for their actions towards animals and that can be done in a number of ways.
“These start with educating them and advising them on the best way to care for a pet to unfortunately prosecuting them.
“A prosecution is a last resort and means that somewhere down the line an animal has already suffered.
“I hope to build good relationships and work closely with the Department of Public Prosecutions as well as the government animal wardens, the police and private vets.
“It’s is vital we also have the support of the public and they understand the work we are trying to do.”
Mr Roberts arrived in Bermuda last August to take on the vacant post of SPCA inspector.
In the last two years before his arrival just a handful of animal cruelty cases have been brought before the courts in Bermuda.
He said: “Having an animal is not a right, it is a
privilege.
“My remit is to prevent cruelty to animals.
“The SPCA are happy to work with anyone to improve animal welfare in Bermuda but we will not shy away from what has to be done either.
Legislation
“I have looked at the animal cruelty legislation that operates here on the island and it is a lot more advanced than a number of places where I have worked in the past.
“I am surprised how little it seems to have been used but I hope moving forward and with all the authorities working together we can make people who abuse and neglect animals accountable for their actions.”
Mr Roberts added: “Historically speaking there are areas in Bermuda which seem to have consistently come to the attentions of the SPCA like some dairy farms, the carriage horse industry, the feral cat population and the personal slaughtering of animals.
“These are all areas that need addressing down the line.
“The SPCA is more than just a shelter.
“Working with the other departments within the charity such as the education department, fundraising and of course the shelter itself, I hope to raise the profile of the SPCA whose proud history can ultimately be traced back to 1824.”
By Simon Jones BermudaSun