Government confirms intention to ban electric collars in England

The Government has confirmed that it will be "suggesting a ban" on the use of electric collars for dogs and cats as a consultation is launched on proposals to outlaw collars for both training purposes and boundary fence systems in England.

Speaking in a debate in Parliament, Farming Minister, George Eustice MP, said that codes of practice and guidance which recommended that collars should not be used as a method of first resort had problems with enforcement and therefore "we [Defra] are currently of the view that banning these devices gives you clarity."

The Westminster Hall Debate which took place on Wednesday 14 March was led by Conservative MP, Ross Thomson, who stated: "In my view, it is not enough to simply tighten up regulation, we need to outlaw these devices altogether and as soon as possible."

The consultation document published by Defra sets out proposals to ban the use of electric collars for cats and dogs in England along similar lines to the current law in Wales and guidance being drafted by the Scottish Government. Mr Eustice confirmed in the debate that "we [Defra] are suggesting a ban on their use but we also invite views on whether we should consider a wider ban [on sale and distribution]". The Countryside Alliance will be submitting evidence to the consultation which closes on 27 April.

Countryside Alliance Chief Executive, Tim Bonner, commented: "Our position has always been that electric collars have no place in the day to day training of dogs and should only be used as a last resort; in cases where all other training methods have failed and where a dog out of control could cause serious harm to itself and other animals."It is therefore disappointing that Defra has pre-empted and dismissed this argument in the consultation document as there is a strong case that electric collars can resolve problem behaviour that might otherwise mean dogs leading very restrictive lives, or for which euthanasia would have been the only option.

"We are also concerned that the proposals would ban electric boundary fence systems for cats and dogs. We are not aware of any evidence that such systems cause welfare problems and a ban would also set a very dangerous precedent. Electric collars are already being used in livestock systems including for conservation grazing, and the essential principle is no different to a traditional electric fence.

"Defra needs to explain how it has concluded that such systems are 'cruel' when they are used for dogs and cats, and how their use on other domestic animals can be considered differently".

"If there is evidence of misuse of electric collars we will support restriction and regulation to tackle that misuse. The Government has, however, not made that case nor has it yet justified the breadth of the proposed ban which sets a very dangerous precedent."

To view our briefing note on this please click here.