Regulations pertaining to animals on Island

Dogs

The acquisition, keeping, breeding, brokering of a dog and the use of a dog for guard/security work are regulated by legislation. 

Acquiring a dog

A dog must originate from one of the following sources: (1) born in Bermuda under the authority of a breeding licence; (2) lawfully imported into Bermuda; (3) adopted from the Department; (4) adopted from a recognized society (i.e. the SPCA).  When acquiring a dog locally, the seller, breeder or giver should provide you with a valid licence; do not accept the dog otherwise. The local SPCA will not release a dog for adoption or for return to the owner without a valid licence.

Acquisition of a prohibited or restricted breed dog requires pre-approval. Properties housing these dogs must be able to securely house the animal by the presence of fencing or an enclosure. The fencing or enclosure must comply with rules & processes of the Department of Planning.

Dog Licence

Dogs must be licensed annually. Your dog must wear its numbered licence tag, which will be or was issued at the time of its initial licensing. Any dog tag may serve as a replacement tag as long as it bears the correct licence number.

See licensing details here.

Keeping multiple dogs

A multiple-dog permit is required when a total of more than two dogs reside at a single premises, inclusive of all dogs in all households on the premises. A multiple-dog permit identifies the individual dogs included on the permit, so a new permit is necessary when there is a change in which dogs reside at the premises. The permit may be held by the property owner or any adult residing at the premises. There is currently no cost for this permit.

Breeding a dog

The breeding of dogs requires a breeding licence, issued BEFORE the female dog becomes pregnant. Anyone can become a licensed breeder as long as they and their premises meet the requirements outlined in the licence conditions.

Boarding, Brokering, Security/Guard dog

Special licences are required to:

• board a dog for a fee;
• take possession of the dog in the course of a sale or transfer of ownership (i.e. act as a broker);
• train or keep dogs for security or guard duties (other than guarding your own property).

Prohibited and Restricted Dog Breeds

There are legislated restrictions on the importation, breeding and keeping of dogs of certain breeds.

Any rare, exotic or uncommon breed may also be refused permission to enter Bermuda or to be used in breeding despite its absence from the lists above.

Prohibited dogs may not be imported, bred or used for breeding.

Restricted dogs may be imported or acquired once the conditions for importation and/or keeping these dogs have been fulfilled by the importer/new keeper. New acquisitions of these dogs require pre-approval. Dogs of these breeds may be bred only following receipt of a Breeder’s permit.

Legitimizing an illegal dog

A legal dog will have originated from a source specified in the section entitled “Acquiring a dog”. If your dog was not from one of these sources, it is an illegal dog. It may be eligible for legitimization when the owner completes the legitimization process:

• Illegal dogs of a prohibited breed (including crosses thereof) are NOT eligible for licensure, nor are they eligible to remain in Bermuda. Owners of these animals must arrange to deport or euthanatize of the animal.
• Illegal dogs of a restricted breed (including crosses thereof) are eligible to be considered for legitimization. Owners must:
  • Apply for legitimization of the animal;
  • Have a fenced yard/area/enclosure (minimum of 60 square feet / 5.6 square metres), approved by the Department of Planning. The fence must be able to keep the animal securely within the contained area. The site must be inspected & approved by an Animal Warden;
  • If the animal has a history of causing bodily injury, the circumstances of the injury will be probed to determine whether the animal should remain in Bermuda and how it may be kept;
  • Provide and maintain insurance against injury caused by the animal (at the Director’s discretion);
  • Have the animal microchipped and licensed.
• Illegal dogs of a breed that is neither prohibited nor restricted are eligible to be considered for legitimization. Owners must:
  • Apply for legitimization of the animal;
  • If the animal has a history of causing bodily injury, the circumstances of the injury will be probed to determine whether the animal should remain in Bermuda and how it may be kept;
  • Have the animal microchipped and licensed.

Basic standards of care for pets

Under Bermuda law, you cannot leave your dog unattended without:

• access to drinking water;
• reasonable shelter from the sun, wind and rain;
• the ability to move freely;
• it being kept securely, so not to allow the animal to stray.

Do not leave your dog locked within a motor vehicle. Officers may have to break into your vehicle to rescue the animal.

You must also prevent and immediately cease animal cruelty, in any form.

Dogs in public places

You must keep your dog on a leash at all times when in public, unless the dog is in a designated off-leash area. Whether the dog is in an on-leash or off-leash area, it must remain under your control at all times.

Dogs & Horses on beaches

You cannot take your dog to a public beach, into a nature reserve or park between April 1 and October 31 each year.

Horses are not allowed on the following beaches at certain times of the year:

• From November 1 to April 30
  • Horses are not allowed on Horseshoe Bay, John Smith’s Bay or Elbow Beach
  • Horses are allowed on other public beaches below the high water mark at any time
• From May 1 to October 31
  • Horses are not allowed on any portion of South Shore Park, John Smith’s Bay, Elbow Beach or Shelley Bay
  • Horses are allowed on other public beaches below the high water mark between 5am & 8am.
• Horseshoe Bay (year-round)
• John Smith’s Bay (year-round)
• Elbow Beach Park (year-round)
• South Shore Park (May 1 to October 31)
• Shelly Bay Beach Park (May 1 to October 31)

Contact Information

P.O. Box HM-834 Hamilton, Bermuda HM-CX

Department main telephone: 441-236-4201

Animal Control: 441-239-2327

Email for Animal Imports: animals@gov.bm 

Fax for Animal Imports: 441-232-0046

Department of Parks: 441-236-5902

Resources

For full details on all rules and regulations for keeping an animal in Bermuda, please consult the Dogs Act 2008 , the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975 ,  Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and regulations subsequent to any of these Acts, at Bermuda Laws Online.