Charity urges outright ban on use of controversial dog training collars
An animal rights’ charity has praised MSPs for taking an “important step” towards banning electric shock training collars for dogs.
It comes after it was announced a new Scottish Government consultation is considering a ban on devices which inflict pain or suffering on animals.
OneKind, the animal protection charity, warns that continued use of e-collars would allow unnecessary animal suffering and called on the government to be bold and ban the devices outright.
Electric shock collars (e-collars) are worn around a dog's neck and deliver an electric shock either via a remote control or an automatic trigger, for example, a dog's bark.
They allegedly train dogs through a fear of further punishment, having received the shock when it does not perform what is asked of it, rather than from a natural willingness to obey.
It is extraordinary that anyone can buy an electric shock device on the internet
However OneKind spokesperson Libby Anderson said: “We are pleased the Scottish Government is delivering on its commitment to review the use of e-collars.
"In the 21st century it is extraordinary that anyone can buy an electric shock device on the internet and freely use it to inflict pain on an animal.
“Their supporters claim that such devices are needed to resolve dogs’ behavioural problems. Yet positive, reward-based training is an effective approach and does not involve hurting and stressing your best friend.”
The Scottish Government consultation invites comments on a range of options from retaining unregulated use of e-collars to an outright ban.
Research has shown that as well as causing distress, e-collars can leave the animal with a legacy of anxiety, and do not elicit a better response to training than more positive methods.
Anderson added: "Electric shock collars have been banned in a number of countries including Wales, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.
"If we want to be known as a country that takes animal welfare seriously, Scotland should do the same.”
