Majority of Brits support a ban on shock collars

The majority of the British public want to see a ban on shock collars, new data reveals.

Research from The Kennel Club shows 77% of Brits said they believe the devices, which punish a dog for unwanted behaviour by delivering a shock to their neck via a remote control, should be banned.

A ban on shock collars has been promised by the government, but no date has been set for the final stage of the law to be passed through Parliament, putting it at risk of being dropped completely.

The Kennel Club is urging the government not to delay and is calling for the public to write to Defra showing their support for the ban.

Mark Beazley, Chief Executive at The Kennel Club, said: “After the Kept Animals Bill, which should have brought in laws to tackle the cruel puppy smuggling trade and crackdown on heartbreaking pet theft, was delayed time and time again, and then abandoned entirely earlier this year, we are really concerned that important animal welfare issues are disappearing from the political agenda, along with promises for long overdue and vital protections for the nation’s much-loved pets.”

He added: “We urge the government to keep its promise and ban these devices as a priority. Their reputation to deliver on commitments is waning after other animal welfare legislative proposals have been dropped and since no date has been set to bring in this ban – which is already in place in Wales. Shock collars were also banned in France earlier this year, and in Scotland an independent Animal Welfare Commission has recommended a complete ban on their use. Meanwhile, in England, we are still waiting for a date to get a ban passed once and for all.

“This long-awaited piece of legislation, and action on animal welfare, must not be delayed.”