Shock Collar Consultation Nearing Its End

A period of consultation on the use of electric shock collars on dogs and cats, which was initiated on 15 November 2007 by the Welsh Assembly, Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones, is coming to an end. The Chief veterinary Officer's Animal Welfare branch is still seeking as wide a comment as possible - but you have only until 08 February to make your point.

The Kennel Club, (KC) has been urging Welsh residents to fill in the consultation form and to write to their Assembly Member to encourage active support of the ban.

Argueing vehemntly for a ban, the Club also publishes a template letter on its website - under the press office/campaigns section.

Caroline Kisko, KC Secretary, said:

"As the Welsh consultation approaches completion, it is imperative for people living in Wales to make their voices heard. To do so after the consultation closes will be too late, as ministers are not obliged to consider opinions given after 8 February. In Wales we have an opportunity to give a lead to the rest of the UK on the ban, and it is therefore crucial to get as many responses in as possible."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (Defra) is currently running a study into the use of electronic training collars. This is not expected to reportd until 2010.

The Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association, (ECMA) says it is committed to the safety of companion animals and to the responsible use of its members' products.

Lord Duncan McNair, lobbies parliament on behalf of the ECMA the parliamentary. He argues that training products such as the electric shock collars have more benefits than disadvantages:

"Electronic training devices have been used for many years to improve an owner's ability to train their animals and thus improve the relationship between the owner and their pet." Pain and fear are not humane methods by which to train a dog. There are many effective positive training methods which are reward based, such as recall training, clicker training and retractable leads. These methods train dogs quickly, easily and reliably, with absolutely no fear, pain, or damage to the relationship between the owner and the dog. There is no justification for electric shock training devices. First hand accounts prove the psychological and physical damage they cause, dog behaviourists and trainers denounce them, and scientific research proves that electric shock collars can provide intolerable pain when used. For further information, including the template letter, and advice on the Kennel Club campaign to ban electric shock collars, contact the External Affairs department on 0870 606 6750 ext 301 / laura.vallance@thekennelclub.org.uk or visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk and click on press office / campaigns and schemes. ENDS 7th January 2008