Dog welfare experts and MSPs have joined forces in a renewed push to ban “outdated and cruel” electric shock collars.
The Kennel Club is backing a motion by Tory MSP Maurice Golden calling on SNP ministers to take “immediate” action to outlaw the devices. Holyrood 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 man’s best friend, capable of causing physical pain and long-term fear.
The Kennel Club – the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare and training – has long called for a ban through its Electric Shock Collar campaign. Wales prohibited the devices in 2010.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club said: “Our data shows that a ban on electric shock collars is supported by more than three-quarters of the population, while research has also shown that they can cause physical and psychological harm. We therefore urge the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity to once again consider a ban on these outdated and cruel devices, to help protect the health and welfare of dogs in Scotland.”
Speaking in a debate on a separate Welfare of Dogs Bill last month, Scottish Government minister Jim Fairlie said he would look again at the issue of shock collars after a review from independent experts comes back in April. Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer had tried to insert a shock collar ban into the legislation via an amendment but the motion was defeated.
Conservative MSP Golden said: “It’s essential the Scottish Parliament acts to ban electric shock collars with immediate effect. What’s more, the ban needs to be enforceable so that no-one is left in any doubt about the seriousness of the issue.
“Stakeholders, like The Kennel Club, must be involved in this move to ensure the welfare of animals is prioritised and alternative, humane training methods are promoted.”
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