SNPgroupsickened by USdogtrainer
The SNP group at Perth and Kinross Council has called on dog owners to think again if they plan to attend a seminar with US trainer Jeff Gellman later this year.
We reported last week that Gellman, whose methods have been slammed by animal rights groups, will charge £750 to attend the seminar which will take place in Braco later this year.
In one video, the dad of seven, from Rhode Island, is seen punishing a calmlooking dog at a seminar with a tightly rolled-up towel – which he calls “the bonker”.
An online petition protesting against Gellman’s methods has now been signed by over 83,000 people.
SNP group leader Grant Laing said: “I find this method of dog training very distressing.
“It is no way to treat an animal.
“I would encourage those in the area using these methods to reconsider their actions and seek advice from the many trained dog behaviouralists and trainers who have found less aggressive and more patient ways to train dogs.
“Trainers like Jeff Gellman should not be encouraged and we ask the host of this event to think again.”
It comes as Gellman, who owns Solid K-9 Training, claims he and his children have been subjected to death threats since news of the seminar broke.
He said: “I’m amazed at the backlash, because there’s horrific things happening out there in the world.”
Perth and Kinross Council is set to send an animal welfare team to the twoday seminar, which will take place in August.