A true ban on cruel electric shock collars for dogs is set to be voted on by MSPs, the Record can reveal.
New proposals would make it a criminal offence to use the “brutal” devices to train pet canines. It’s hoped the move, to be tabled by Green politician Ross Greer today (THURS) in amendments to SNP MSP’s Christine Grahame’s Welfare of Dogs Bill, will win widespread cross-party support.
Holyrood is set for the surprise vote on the policy next week amid longstanding criticism over the Scottish Government’s approach. SNP ministers pledged to outlaw shock collars “promptly and effectively” in 2018, however critics say the “ban” in its current form is guidance only and hasn’t worked.
Shock collars deliver an electric current to a dog’s neck via remote control for up to 11 seconds within a two-mile radius – meaning an animal not within sight of its owner can still receive the painful stimulus. Research has found the collars are no more effective in changing a dog’s behaviour than positive reinforcement – and harmful to the wellbeing of dogs, capable of causing physical pain and long-term fear.
A ban is backed by experts including the Scottish SPCA, the Kennel Club and the government’s own Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC). Public surveys also suggest outlawing the collars is supported by more than 80 per cent of Scots.
Scottish Green MSP Greer said: “There is no justification for electric shock collars. They cause totally unnecessary pain and suffering for dogs, and have no place in a society that cares for its pets.
“Guidance alone has clearly not been good enough. If we are serious about dog welfare then we need to make it a crime to use these cruel devices. It is time to end their use for good.
“Even the Government’s own experts have called for a ban. It has been almost two years since the SAWC told the Scottish Government to ban shock collars because of the unnecessary suffering they could inflict on dogs.
“My amendments will force the Scottish Government to finally come clean on this issue. Will they listen to their own experts and the overwhelming majority of dog owners who back a ban, or will they keep letting dogs suffer for no good reason?”
He added: “I hope that MSPs from all parties will listen to animal welfare experts and dog owners and back my proposals to stop the use of shock collars. Scotland has led the way within the UK on many areas of animal rights, but there is so much more for us to do and in the case of shock collars, we are fifteen years behind Wales.
“Countries across Europe have already banned these brutal devices, it is time for Scotland to do the same.”
In 2023, a group of MSPs across all five Holyrood parties wrote to the government demanding new regulations to properly prohibit the devices including prosecution for offenders – as has been the case in Wales since 2010. Across the UK, around 5 per cent of dog owners are thought to use shock owners, affecting hundreds of thousands of animals.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The SAWC have been asked to look at these and other aversive devices and will report in due course.
“A review of e-collars is also underway as part of the wider review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 and we will carefully consider the recommendations from SAWC and the Review.
“Ministers will engage with Mr Greer on his amendment.”
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