DEFRA (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has banned the use of electric shock collars for pets; however, they are still being sold and distributed. Whilst these items are still on shop shelves and shopping websites, a ban on their usage will not have a meaningful impact. Most people will assume that as they are still available to buy, they must be legitimate to use.

Furthermore, there are many other aversive devices that people use to control their pets such as prong and spray collars, or electric fences. We must also take into account the negative impact these other devices can have on animal welfare and ban them too.

The majority of pet owners using these devices are unaware of the negative effect they can have. Often their pet is presenting a behavioural problem and they think that these devices will help them. However, they can make problems worse. For example, it can create new fears for the pet if used at the wrong time. Pets, like humans, associate pain with certain events/objects. If their shock collar was used when a child was around then they may get a fear of children. This could lead to many issues, such as aggression when a child is present.

Additionally, DEFRA-funded research has previously found that electric collars are no more effective in training than positive reinforcement methods.

Therefore, these items need to stop being sold and distributed so less uneducated owners accidentally cause their pets to suffer.

The Animal Welfare Act of 2006 outlaws causing unnecessary suffering to pets. We must stand by that promise.

For more information please visit the below website:

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/news/we-need-to-ban-aversive-devices-to-protect-pets