THIS PETITION HAS BEEN UPDATED. 

As a concerned citizen and an advocate for animal welfare, I am writing to bring to your attention an urgent matter that requires immediate action: the use of shock and prong collars on dogs. I kindly request your support and consideration in implementing a comprehensive ban on these inhumane tools to protect our canine companions from unnecessary harm and suffering.

Dogs have long been recognized as loyal companions and members of our families. It is our duty to ensure their safety, well-being, and the use of humane training methods that promote positive reinforcement and mutual trust. Shock and prong collars, are outdated and ineffective tools that cause significant physical and psychological harm to dogs. 

Shock collars, also known as electronic collars (e-collars), deliver an electric shock to a dog's neck as a form of punishment. This painful and distressing experience can lead to severe injuries, burns, and emotional trauma, undermining the bond between dogs and their humans. Prong collars, with their metal spikes that dig into a dog's neck, cause similar pain and discomfort, often resulting in injuries and long-term physical and psychological consequences.

If that isn't enough to urge you to support this change, please take the following into account. Shock and prong collars suppress the underlying behaviour, they are a band-aid solution. These instruments can backfire greatly. They can increase fear-based aggression. An increase in aggression means more attacks on humans which could cause serious injury or death, and more dogs being euthanized as a result. 

Numerous scientific studies and professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and the British Veterinary Association, have expressed their strong opposition to the use of shock and prong collars, highlighting their ineffectiveness, potential for harm, and ethical concerns (see bottom for quotes). Many countries and jurisdictions have already taken a progressive stance by implementing bans on these tools, demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Therefore, I urge you to take the following actions:

1. Enact a comprehensive ban on the sale, distribution, and use of shock and prong collars, for dogs.
2. Promote and prioritize positive reinforcement-based training methods that are scientifically proven, effective, and humane.
3. Allocate resources to educate pet guardians, trainers, and the general public about the dangers and alternatives to these harmful tools, through awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational materials.

By banning shock and prong collars, we can set a precedent for compassionate and responsible treatment of our canine companions. It is imperative that we create an environment where dogs are trained and treated with respect, kindness, and dignity, promoting a society that values the welfare of all animals.

I sincerely hope that you will give due consideration to this petition and take decisive action to protect our beloved dogs from unnecessary harm. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of countless animals and contribute to a more compassionate and humane society.

Some countries that have banned/restricted shock/prong collars: 

Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Portugal, Wales, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, some states in Australia, and the province of Quebec in Canada.

Quotes: 

"An appropriate trainer should avoid any use of training tools that involve pain (choke chains, prong collars, or electronic shock collars), intimidation (squirt bottles, shaker noise cans, compressed air cans, shouting, staring, or forceful manipulation such as “alpha rolls” or “dominance downs”), physical correction techniques (leash jerking, physical force), or flooding (“exposure”). The learner must always feel safe and have the ability to “opt out” of training sessions. All efforts should be made to communicate effectively and respectfully with the learner."

 - American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour

"Research has shown that the application of an electric shock to dogs or cats, even at a low level, can cause physiological and behavioural responses associated with stress, pain, and fear. We’re concerned that the use of electric shock collars to punish or control dogs or cats is open to abuse and can cause welfare and training problems."

...

"We’re also concerned that other aversive training methods have the potential to cause suffering in dogs and cats. These include electric containment fences, choke collars, choke chains, and prong collars, as well as anti-bark collars that use a noise, vibration, ultrasonic sound, or spray of water or citronella."

- British Veterinary Association 

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