The Kennel Club urges Holyrood to deliver shock collar ban

The Kennel Club has expressed serious concern over delays from the Scottish Government in taking action towards banning electric shock collars.

As part of the review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020, the Scottish Government committed to undertaking a public consultation regarding the use of these devices.

However, a date has yet to be set and The Kennel Club fears that this inaction could cause further delays on a pivotal animal welfare issue, despite clear scientific evidence demonstrating their ineffectiveness, as well as calls from leading welfare, veterinary and dog training organisations campaigning for a nationwide ban.

In 2019, a study carried out by the University of Lincoln showed that electric shock collars were no more effective in training than positive reinforcement and dogs’ well-being was compromised, even when used by ‘professional’ e-collar trainers. And, in 2023, the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC) concluded that, based on extensive evidence, electronic training collars should be banned.

Holly Conway, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “We are deeply disappointed that, despite the Government’s recognition of the harm caused by shock collars and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s strong recommendation for a ban, no meaningful steps have yet been taken.

“Shock collars are outdated and ineffective. Even though they are touted as a solution to prevent livestock worrying incidents, in reality this is highly unlikely to be the case. The long range of the remote-control collars means a dog with a strong chase instinct may not even be in sight of their owner, and it’s highly probable that, at that point, it wouldn’t be deterred easily from chasing. In addition, were a farmer to see a dog chasing sheep, it would be impossible for them to know if it had a shock collar on.”