Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Electric shock pet collars still on sale despite 2018 ban pledge
TV show’s butchers closes after 100 years
“BARBARIC” electric shock training collars that blast cats and dogs with up to 6,000 volts are still on sale — almost two years after the Government vowed to ban them.
The Sunday Mirror found dozens of the devices, which deliver shocks for up to 11 seconds at a time, on eBay and specialist dog sites.
They have been illegal in Wales since 2010, but are still on sale in England and Scotland despite a promise in August 2018 to outlaw them.
Michael Gove, then Environment Secretary, said the collars caused unacceptable harm and suffering.
PM Boris Johnson, who co-owns Jack Russell Dilyn with partner Carrie Symonds, has previously compared using the collars to using a cane on a child.
Rita James, of campaign group CAGED Nationwide, said: “We would like to urge the PM, as a fellow dog lover, to prioritise this issue and bring new legislation to outlaw electric shock collars.
“We believe the collars to be barbaric, and have deep concerns for the long-term effects on the dogs that wear them, as this method could instil fear, terror and aggression.”
Animal charities have condemned politicians for “breaking their promise” after we found scores of devices for as little as £7 for sale. Dr Jenna Kiddie, of Dogs Trust, said: “It is both unnecessary and cruel to use these collars. Positive methods, using rewards, are the kindest way to train your dog.”
A Defra spokesman said last night: “Following our recent consultation, we’re committed to banning electric training collars and will put it into law in due course.”
And an eBay spokesman said: “These items are banned from eBay’s platform. We are removing the items and educating sellers.”
REAL LIFE Mettrick shop
SHOCKING
CRUEL Ban is in the pipeline, say officials
A BUTCHERS shop famous thanks to TV comedy A League of Gentlemen closed yesterday after trading for more than 100 years.
J W Mettrick & Son in Hadfield, Derbys — the town doubling as Royston Vasey in the cult BBC show — was once named Britain’s Best Butchers, but business has been hit by high overheads and a lack of parking.
John Mettrick, whose family has run it for five generations, said: “It’s been a very tough decision but the village is becoming more residential on the main street and customers can’t get to us due to cars parked all day.
The TV shop was run by Hillary Briss, who famously sold “special stuff”.
Mr Mettrick said: “Visitors came to pose and asked for their noses to be taped up to look like the characters.”
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