Help ban electronic shock collars for dogs and cats by getting the legislation over the line

We need your help to put an end to the use of electronic shock collars. We’re asking all members of the veterinary profession to contact their local MP and ask them to urge the Government to deliver on its commitment to ban these aversive training devices for dogs and cats.

Under draft Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023, laid before Parliament in May this year, it will be a punishable offence for a person to attach an electronic shock collar to a dog or cat in England from 1 February 2024. However, while the regulations have been passed by the House of Lords, there is yet to be a date set for its reading in the House of Commons, so we need to keep up the pressure to ensure use of these harmful devices is banned.

We’ve prepared a template letter for vets to download and send to their local MPs.

Talking on the issue, BVA Senior Vice President Justine Shotton said:

“We’re an animal-welfare-focused profession; this is front and centre of what vets do. Research shows that using fear and punishment as a training tool not only takes its toll on an animal’s overall welfare, but it is also less effective than positive methods.

“With Parliament set to return after summer recess next month, we’re urging members of the veterinary profession to write to their local MP to highlight the importance of getting this vital bill over the line and into law.”

A robust body of research, including a notable study by the University of Lincoln (2019), shows that the application of electric shocks, even at a low level, can cause stress, pain and fear and that positive training methods are more effective in terms of the animal’s health, welfare and behaviour. A recent YouGov poll by The Kennel Club found that 77% of the public support a ban on these aversive training devices.

Contact information for your constituency MP can be found here.

Download the template letter here.