Gove accused of ‘complete 180’ on electric shock collars for pets

Michael Gove has been accused of making a “complete 180” after letters from his department suggested there was insufficient evidence for banning electric shock collars for dogs and cats, weeks before plans to ban their use were announced.

The environment secretary confirmed yesterday that the UK Government would outlaw what he described as “punitive” shock collars that “cause harm and suffering to our pets”, after a consultation on the proposals in March.

Used as training devices, the remote controlled collars can trigger an electric pulse of varying strength, or spray noxious chemicals at the animal.

A letter sent from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in February suggested there was insufficient evidence for supporting a ban. The document, sent to the Royal Veterinary College, noted scientific research it had commissioned “was not strong enough to support a ban” on “electronic training aids for dogs”.

Dog trainer and campaigner Jamie Penrith said Mr Gove had made an “abrupt” policy turnaround with no additional evidence.

“It’s a complete 180,” Mr Penrith added, saying it was not a welfare move.

Mr Gove said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and the use of punitive shock collars cause harm and suffering to our pets.

“This ban will improve the welfare of animals and I urge pet owners to instead use positive reward training methods.”

The announcement was welcomed by the Dogs Trust.