Call for ban on shock collars in Scotland
Christine Grahame MSP hosted the event at Holyrood.
The Kennel Club and Scottish SPCA held a drop-in session at Holyrood Parliament yesterday (30 March) to raise awareness about the negative impact that electric shock collars have on dog welfare.
Sponsored by Christine Grahame MSP, the event provided MSPs with the opportunity to learn more about the devices which deliver electric shocks for up to 11 seconds at a time via a remote control.
The session was the latest step taken by campaigners and politicians to persuade the Scottish government to introduce a ban. Earlier this month, a cross-party group of 42 MSPs signed a letter calling for new regulations to prevent the use of such collars.
In January 2018, the Scottish government promised to make them illegal. However, although guidance was issued which condemned their use, no regulations were passed. Electric shock collars still continue to be used in Scotland.
Research suggests broad public support for a ban. A 2021 survey by the Scottish SPCA found that 83 per cent of the public supported a total ban on electric shock collars.
The collars have been banned in Wales since 2010 and were recently banned in France. A 2019 study by researchers at the University of Lincoln found that electric shock collars were no more effective as a training tool than positive reinforcement.
Ms Grahame said: “Electric shock collars for dogs are wrong, full stop. That’s why I support The Kennel Club and SSPCA’s campaign to increase awareness about their impact on dog welfare.
“Regulations must be brought forward to ban the use of electric shock collars to ensure that those who continue to use them can be prosecuted.
“I am delighted to have hosted this drop-in for MSPs to allow them to test electric shock collars out and see for themselves just how cruel and unnecessary they are.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
