The Kennel Club has welcomed a recent motion, tabled by Maurice Golden, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for North East Scotland, that calls on the Scottish Government to take immediate action and introduce a ban on the use of electric shock dog collars.
Electric shock collars are devices that deliver an electric shock to the dog’s neck via a remote control, up to a radius of two miles – meaning a dog not within sight of its owner could still receive the stimulus - and for up to 11 seconds at a time. The Kennel Club has long campaigned for a ban on these devices, alongside other leading welfare, veterinary and dog training organisations. Wide-ranging evidence has demonstrated the detrimental effect these devices can have on the welfare of dogs and, in 2019, a study carried out by the University of Lincoln showed that electric shock collars were no more effective in training than positive reinforcement and dogs’ well-being was compromised, even when used by ‘professional’ e-collar trainers. They have been banned in Wales since 2010 under The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations.
The Kennel Club commissioned a survey in 2023 which showed over three quarters of the British public would support a ban on electric shock collars.
Following extensive research and a public consultation, the Scottish Government introduced Guidance condemning the use of shock collars in 2018, and hailed this an ‘effective ban’ on the use of these devices. However, the Guidance has since proven to be ineffective in stopping the use of these devices. Following this the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission recommended they be completely banned. Following no Government action, almost two years later, Maurice Golden MSP has tabled a motion calling on the Scottish Government to introduce Regulations to ban their use.
Maurice Golden MSP said: “It’s essential the Scottish Parliament acts to ban electric shock collars with immediate effect. What’s more, the ban needs to be enforceable so that no-one is left in any doubt about the seriousness of the issue.
“Stakeholders, like The Kennel Club, must be involved in this move to ensure the welfare of animals is prioritised and alternative, humane training methods are promoted.”
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club said: “The Kennel Club has long campaigned for a ban on electric shock collars and we are pleased to see that Maurice Golden MSP has brought the issue forward once again in the Scottish Parliament.
“Our data shows that a ban on electric shock collars is supported by more than three-quarters of the population, while research has also shown that they can cause physical and psychological harm. We therefore urge the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity to once again consider a ban on these outdated and cruel devices, to help protect the health and welfare of dogs in Scotland.”
The Kennel Club are also calling on the public to write to their MSP to urge them to pledge their support for this motion.
To find out more about The Kennel Club’s Electric Shock Collar campaign, click here.