Electric shock dog collars banned under new government proposal
A ban on electric shock collars for pets will form part of a series of proposals to improve animal welfare under the government’s flagship strategy.
The animal welfare strategy, launched on Monday, also includes plans to ban track hunting and tighten protections aimed at stopping cruel breeding practices such as puppy farming.
The proposals build on changes to the law introduced in Parliament last year that crack down on puppy smuggling and introduce greater penalties for livestock of concern.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said the UK was “a nation of animal lovers” and claimed the government had “delivered the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation”.
“Visiting Battersea Dog and Cat Home reminded me that millions of families welcome pets into their homes every year. Our strategy will raise the welfare standards of animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild.
“We have already taken action to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. We now plan to ban caged chickens, cruel trapping, stalking and stop low-welfare dog breeding.”
The strategy sets out a range of protections for pets, livestock and wild animals.
The government’s plans for pet welfare include a consultation on banning shock collars due to concerns they could harm pets.
Ministers are also planning a public safety campaign to promote responsible dog ownership.
Over the last few years, concerns have been growing about XL bully-type dogs, a group of breeds that have been banned after being linked to several fatal attacks.
Plans to improve farm animal welfare include abandoning the use of colony cages for laying hens and pig breeding crates, as well as introducing more humane slaughtering methods for farmed fish.
Measures to protect wild animals include plans to ban trail hunting, as well as banning pitfall traps and introducing a closed hunting season for rabbits.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, RSPCA director of advocacy and prevention, said: “The government’s new animal welfare strategy is a significant step forward with the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.
“People in the UK love animals and want to see governments take the lead in banning cruel practices that cause suffering, such as phasing out cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.
“This strategy leads the way with a strong commitment to animal welfare, as we need a radical rethinking of the way we see and treat animals in this country.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to provide all animals with the protection they deserve.”
