MP calls for electric shock dog collars to be banned

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for the ban on electric shock dog collars to be extended across the UK.

Tim was speaking at an event organised by various welfare and veterinary groups in Parliament yesterday.

The event gave MPs an opportunity to call upon the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, to open a consultation on banning the sale and use of these cruel and unnecessary devices.

The use of these devices has been banned in Wales since 2010, and the Scottish Government recently announced plans to follow suit. In addition, bans are in place across Europe and much of Australia.

Research published by DEFRA concluded that the use of electric shock collars as a training method has long-term negative welfare impacts on dogs.

Furthermore, an independent survey commissioned by the Kennel Club found that 74 per cent of the public would support the Government in introducing a ban on their use.

Tim said: "Although shock collars are marketed as harmless, they cause anxiety-related behaviours, re-directed aggression and physical pain to dogs.

"Extensive research has proved that training a dog with a shock collar is harmful and unnecessary.

"Westminster needs to legislate to ban both the sale and use of these barbaric devices across the whole of the UK, following the lead of the Welsh and now Scottish governments."