Cruel electronic training collars which are used for dogs and cats are to be banned under new legislation announced by the Government.
Remote controlled electronic training collars (e-collars) have a remote device that triggers an electronic pulse, which can be varied in strength, while others may spray a noxious chemical. As well as being misused to inflict unnecessary harm and suffering, there’s also evidence e-collars can re-direct aggression or generate anxiety-based behaviour in pets – making underlying behavioural and health problems worse.
The ban was welcomed by North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, who supported The Dog’s Trust campaign to ban the collars.
A public consultation on the issue received 7,000 responses and prompted the Government to implement the ban. After listening closely to the views of pet owners and respondents, the Government will not extend the ban to invisible fencing systems which can keep pets away from roads and potential traffic accidents. These devices are particularly useful for cat owners. Animals often respond well to invisible fencing and quickly learn to stay within a boundary without receiving a static pulse.
This is the latest Government legislation aimed at improving animal welfare, which includes a ban on the sale of ivory, mandatory CCTV for slaughter houses, ending the third-party sale of puppies & kittens, and a ban on the use of live animals in circuses.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Shock collars are unnecessarily cruel, and I welcome this ban. I am very proud of the work the Government has done to improve animal welfare standards. I am also heartened that the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has backed a campaign to tackle puppy farming, and confirmed the Government will not only update the law but strengthen it too; banning commercial third-party sales of puppies and kittens in England.”
