Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East has called on the Scottish Government to back better regulation of dog electric shock collars.
Speaking in a Members Debate in the Scottish Parliament on the issue.
Nanette Milne, Scottish Conservative MSP for the North East said:
“It is clear from the various debates which we have held in this Parliament recently that there are a number of important issues relating to dog welfare and the responsible ownership of dogs in Scotland, and I would like to thank the many organisations who have provided briefings for us, including the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, and One Kind.
“The use of electric collars on cats and dogs has been controversial for some time. Indeed the Scottish Government consulted on their use as far back as 2007, however did not recommend a ban at that time.
“More recently, as has been mentioned, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has conducted research into the effects of shock collars. While this did not reveal evidence that electric collars cause long-term harm to dogs when used appropriately, it did highlight a number of issues relating to the manufacture and regulation of collars, to ensure a high standard and proper use.
“Its report highlighted that the use of e-collars “can lead to a negative impact on welfare, at least in a proportion of animals trained using this technique”. It also found that a large number of owners using the devices did so without adhering to the accompanying instruction manuals.
“Since the study was published it is my understanding that Defra has started work with the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association to provide guidance for dog owners and trainers on how to use these collars properly. It is also working with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to produce a manufacturers’ charter, to ensure the devices are made to high welfare standards.
“As a dog owner myself I have no experience of using such training collars, and have never considered using them, and I note that a study undertaken by the University of Lincoln involving the ECMA, found that they were no more effective than other methods of training, such as giving rewards.
“I understand the concerns expressed by many Animal Welfare Charities that electric shock collars may fail to address underlying behavioural problems, or indeed may cause further behavioural complications in dogs, and I would emphasise the advice that anyone considering using such collars should seek professional advice, for example from their vet, before doing so.
“It is up to individual dog owners to ensure that pinch, prong or shock collars are used appropriately, and anyone using them to inflict unnecessary suffering may be prosecuted under animal welfare laws, including the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.
“But the issue is controversial, and I know a number of responsible dog owners who have used electric dog collars over many years and have found no problems with them. So I feel the jury is still out on this, but I hope the Scottish Government will keep a watching brief on emerging research and experience in other countries, and consider further action if it seems appropriate.”