A former Crown prosecutor says there is a major loophole in the current Animal Health and Protection Act.

Mike Murray was responding to concerns raised following a recent dog attack in Pouch Cove that send four people to hospital.

Murray says police are responsible for enforcement of the regulations, however it can be difficult sometimes to respond to those types of complaint, especially in rural areas.

He claims a major loophole exists in the legislation that makes seizure of a dangerous or nuisance animal even more difficult.

“The police can’t seize the dog, unless they actually see it themselves at large. So, they can’t seize the dog based on witness statements or even video, they have to see the dog roaming at large and being dangerous before they can act.  It’s a major flaw in the legislation.”