Thank you for contacting me about electronic collars (e-collars).
Thanks to legislation passed by the previous Government, the UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.
I understand that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has considered the evidence regarding the use of electronic aids to control dogs. I am aware that research commissioned by Defra showed that many e-collar users were not using them properly or in compliance with the manufacturers’ instructions. As well as being misused to inflict unnecessary harm, there was also concern that e-collars can redirect aggression or generate anxiety-based behaviour in pets, making underlying behavioural and health problems worse. The consultation on this issue launched by the last Government received more than 7,000 responses.
After engaging with trainers, behaviourists, e-collar manufacturers, the animal welfare sector, veterinary and dog keeping organisations, and analysing research, the last Government announced its intention to ban training collars in England that can deliver an electric shock to a cat or dog by a hand-held remote-controlled device.
Sadly, these changes were not brought in before the general election and, as such, it is now for the new Government to determine how to proceed. I will follow any developments closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
