MP opposes shock collars
● A RUNCORN MP has pledged his support for a bid to ban electric shock dog collars in England.
Mike Amesbury, Weaver Vale, Labour, signed his name in the House Of Commons to back Dogs Trust’s #ShockinglyLegal campaign. Electronic shock collars are used to remotely or automatically deliver a jolt to the wearer via metal contacts on the neck, and are used in some cases to try to correct problem behaviour in dogs.
Dogs Trust said a Populus poll recently revealed that 83% of dog owners said they would never use them, and 31% of the public also wrongly believe they are already illegal.
However, despite having been banned in Wales and Scotland, the devices are lawful in England.
Mr Amesbury said: “These training methods are outdated and cruel, and there is no need for them to be used when there are so many positive training methods available.
“This is a hugely important issue for dog welfare and I hope my support will help make a difference.”
Rachel Casey, Dogs Trust’s director of canine behaviour and research, said: “This type of device is not only painful for a dog, it can have a serious negative impact on their mental and physical wellbeing.
“A dog can’t understand when or why it’s being shocked and this can cause it immense distress, with many dogs exhibiting signs of anxiety and worsened behaviour as a result.
“Positive based methods, such as using rewards like food, are the most effective and kindest way to train your dog, so there is absolutely no need for owners to even consider the use of these devices.”