Government bans shock collars in England

The government has laid legislation that will completely ban the use of remote-controlled electric shock collars in England from 1 February 2024.

The collars, which are often used as a training device, send electrical shocks of varying intensity via a radio-controlled device that can be triggered from two miles away.

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.”

However, not everyone who works with animals agrees with the ban.

The National Sheep Association warned last year that scrapping the training device would be “utterly irresponsible” and could lead to “animal welfare disaster”.

In September, more than 200 sheep farmers from across England warned the government over its plan to ban electric dog collars.

Wales banned the collars in 2010 and there have been calls for Scotland to strengthern its rules on the matter.