Fury as Tories fail to ship pledge to ban ‘merciless’ electrical shock canine collars
Tories have didn’t ship on a promise to outlaw “cruel” electrical shock collars for canines and cats.
Animal welfare teams voiced their anger after ministers’ pledge to herald a ban by February 1 wasn’t met. The Government final 12 months mentioned the gadgets, which may trigger accidents to pets, could be made unlawful following a decade-long marketing campaign by charities.
The collars, utilized by homeowners to coach their pets, are triggered by hand-held controllers and may give animals shocks even once they’re out of sight. When the ban was introduced, it was branded a “historic moment for animal welfare”.
Paula Boyden, veterinary director on the Dogs Trust, mentioned: “We are incredibly disappointed that the UK Government has seemingly reneged on its commitment to end the use of hand-held electric shock collars in England. These devices are both unnecessary and cruel, and this is a view held not just by our organisations but by more than 51,000 people who have shown their support for a ban.”
Ms Boyden, also speaking on behalf of The Kennel Club, RSPCA, Battersea, British Veterinary Association and Blue Cross, called on the Government not to ditch the ban. They warn the collars can cause aggression and anxiety in dogs, and are
She said: “Between us, we care for thousands of dogs and cats every year, many of whom need some level of support with unwanted behaviours, and our experience has shown that positive reward-based methods are as effective without causing harm.”
And she added: “We are collectively calling on Defra not to U-turn on its promise to ban the sale and use of electric shock collars and to find the time to bring this ban into effect. There is simply no place or need for these cruel devices in modern pet training.”
When the ban was introduced in April final 12 months, Mark Beazley, chief government of The Kennel Club mentioned: “The legislation banning electric shock collars in England, which comes into force next year, is a historic moment for animal welfare and will put an end to the misery and suffering of countless dogs who are still subject to these cruel and unnecessary devices. There is simply no excuse for using these devices, which cause physical and psychological harm, especially given the vast array of positive training methods available.”
The charities said Parliament has yet to be given the time to debate the new law, which would prevent the sale and use of the collars.
A Defra spokesman said: “The UK is a world leader on animal welfare and we are fully committed to maintaining and enhancing our strong track record, including delivering the ban on hand-controlled electric shock collars.”