Kennel Club joins forces with MSP to call for ban on shock collars

The Kennel Club has welcomed a recent motion, tabled by MSP for North East Scotland Maurice Golden, which calls on the Scottish government to take immediate action and introduce a ban on the use of electric shock dog collars.

The Scottish government introduced guidance condemning the use of shock collars in 2018, following extensive research and a public consultation, and hailed this an ‘effective ban’ on the use of these devices.

Subsequently, the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission has recommended they be completely banned.

After no government action, almost two years later, Golden has tabled a motion calling on the Scottish government to introduce regulations to ban their use.

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.”

Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, added: “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“We therefore urge the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity to once again consider a ban on these outdated and cruel devices, to help protect the health and welfare of dogs in Scotland.”

The Kennel Club is also calling on the public to write to their MSP to urge them to pledge their support for this motion.