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Assembly to ban electric shock dog collars
icWales

Environment Minister Carwyn Jones said today he will ban electric shock dog training collars.

He said they were totally barbaric” and would ban them when the Animal Welfare Act comes into force in March.

The collars have metal prongs that press against the dogs neck and can cause deep wounds.

An electric current shocks the animal for up to 12 seconds.

The collars are normally operated by remote control and can have a range of more than half a mile.

The Assembly Government said they can lead to more aggressive behaviour in dogs.

Mr Jones said: If people keep dogs, they must expect to take the time to train the animal properly and not resort to a quick fix by the use of these collars.

Professional advice on reward-based training does not cost any more than using an electric collar.

Using such devices also raises the question of a duty of care towards the animal, which is the core of the Animal Welfare Act.”

RSPCA spokesman David Bowles said: We hope this wise, welfare-based decision from Wales will be replicated by the Government in England, and that a ban on electric shock collars for dogs can come into force in both countries without delay.

Shock collars work by causing a dog pain, which the RSPCA and all animal welfare groups believe is completely unacceptable.”