We are a nation of animal lovers, and animal welfare has been one of my top priorities since my election to Parliament. I am proud the UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and my ministerial colleagues and I are committed to raising these standards even higher.
As such, 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 is also concern that e-collars can redirect aggression or generate anxiety-based behaviour in pets, making underlying behavioural and health problems worse.
Following this research, as well as engagement with trainers, behaviourists, e-collar manufacturers, the animal welfare sector, veterinary and dog keeping organisations, the Government will proceed with its ban on training collars in England that can deliver an electric shock to a cat or dog by a hand-held remote-controlled device. I support this action.
I am advised these new regulations will come into force on 1 February 2024.