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Posted: 2nd May 2023

Defra announces ban on electric shock collars in England
The Kennel Club continues to campaign to see regulations introduced in Scotland.
The ban will come into force on 1 February 2024.

Following a ten year campaign led by The Kennel Club, the Government has laid legislation that will completely ban the use of remote controlled electric shock collars in England. The ban will come into force on 1 February 2024.

Electric shock collars were banned in Wales 13 years ago, and have recently been banned in France. The Kennel Club continues to campaign to see regulations introduced in Scotland, after guidance issued in 2018 by the Scottish government, condemning the use of shock collars, has shown to be ineffective. 

Mark Beazley, chief executive of The Kennel Club said: “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. 

“This is the culmination of over a decade of campaigning for us and we applaud Defra for helping to safeguard the welfare of our nation’s much-loved dogs. More action is urgently needed in Scotland, where regulations are needed to replace the ineffective guidance currently in place, and we will not rest until we see the complete ban on these devices that cause suffering and harm.”

Dogs Trust also welcomes the ban, but had hoped it would go further by banning the sale and distribution of electric shock collars, and the use of electric shock containment systems and other aversive training devices.

Dr Rachel Casey, director of canine behaviour and research at Dogs Trust said: “We welcome today’s announcement from Defra that hand-held electric shock collars are to be banned in England. It is both unnecessary and cruel to use these collars on dogs. 

“Research has shown that electric shock collars negatively impact dog welfare and instead of improving behaviour, risk causing further behaviour problems. Worse still, they can be a mechanism for abuse if used in anger.

“We ask Defra to look again at banning the sale of electric dog collars and banning other aversive training devices such as electric shock containment systems. There is no place or need for these cruel devices in modern dog training.”

Image (C) The Kennel Club.



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