Electronic shock collars used to train dogs and cats to be banned

Environment Secretary Michael Gove says the collars cause to much suffering
He plans to ban them in England by amending the Animal Welfare Act 2006
The electronic devices are already banned in Wales following cruelty claims
Organisations and MPs have long campaigned against the use of the collars

By Brendan Carlin, Political Correspondent For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 01:37 GMT, 11 March 2018 | Updated: 02:23 GMT, 11 March 2018

The use of electric shock collars to train dogs and cats is to be banned following cruelty claims.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has unveiled plans to outlaw the devices which give shocks to help in the training of animals.

He said: ‘We are a nation of animal lovers and the use of these punitive devices can cause suffering, whether intentionally or unintentionally, to our pets.

A black Labrador Retriever wearing an electric dog training collar: the devices give shocks to help in the training of animals

Environment Secretary Michael Gove (left) argues that electronic shock collars cause unnecessary suffering

Activists say that it is important to protect puppies from the physical and psychological harm that the controversial collars can cause

‘Organisations and MPs have campaigned against the use of shock collars passionately.’ Their use has already been banned in Wales. Mr Gove plans to ban them in England this summer by introducing new regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Caroline Kisko of the Kennel Club said: ‘Training a dog with an electric shock collar causes physical and psychological harm.’

RSPCA expert Samantha Gaines said the collars had ‘no place in modern-day pet ownership’.