Haughey welcomes electric collar ban

Clare Haughey MSP has welcomed a ban on the use of electric shock collars for dogs in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has confirmed it will introduce a “prompt and effective” ban on the use of the shock collars.

It comes after campaigns from animal welfare groups as well as MSP

The British Veterinary Association described the announcement as “a real win for animal welfare”.

Ms Haughey now wants the UK Government to implement a ban on the sale of the collars too. She said: “I’m delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing a prompt and effective ban on the use of electric shock collars and other electronic training devices that can cause pain or distress to dogs.

“These devices are capable of causing real suffering, and fully banning their use in Scotland is absolutely the right thing to do.

“However, this positive action from the Scottish Government isn’t the end of the matter – the power to ban the sale of shock collars lies at Westminster and now it’s time for the UK government to step up and do the right thing.

“It’s time for the Tories to introduce a UK ban on the sale and distribution of these cruel devices, and also to follow the examples set by Scotland and Wales and ban the use of shock collars in England.”