Pet Care News

Electric Shock Collars to be banned in Wales
5th May 2010

Electric shock collars that are used to train cats and dogs are to be banned in Wales by the Welsh Assembly.

Anyone using the devices, which gives an electric shock to the pet when they are behaving badly, will face a six month jail sentence or a fine of up to £20,000 in the welcome move, which has been supported by both the RSPCA and the Kennel Club.

Elin Jones, Wales Rural Affairs Minister, said that "It is important that owners are aware of the ban, and that they now take the appropriate steps to comply with the law."

Jones continued, "I'm pleased that as a government, we are taking a proactive approach to promoting the welfare of animals by banning the use of such electronic training devices in Wales."

However, in response to the Welsh Assembly decision, Duncan McNair, of the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association stated that "It's a bad idea because more dogs will die, more dogs will have to be re-homed and more owners will be distressed at having to give up their pets."

More information available at the BBC website at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8584028.stm