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Consultation on animal training aids
07/09/2007
A consultation has today been launched on the use of electronic training aids for dogs, cats and horses - some of which are sometimes known as "electric shock" collars.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mr Lochhead said:
"Today's consultation is all about gathering as much informed opinion as we possibly can about these devices before making a decision on their use in the future.
"There has been strong support for a ban, or at least restrictions to be placed on electronic training aids. However, no decision on any such regulation can be made without robust evidence to support it.
"We have an open mind on this issue and a final policy decision can be made after we have studied the views, information and evidence provided following this consultation.
"I look forward to reading the responses."
During the Parliamentary scrutiny of what is now the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 an undertaking was given, following a debate on whether to include a provision banning the use of electric collars in the Bill, to consult on the use of electronic training devices. This consultation is issued in fulfilment of that undertaking.
Sections 26 and 27 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 give Scottish Ministers the power to make regulations to ensure the welfare of animals. Any regulation made to ban electric shock or static pulse collars would be made under section 26. It would be possible to regulate the use of these collars by permitting their use only under licence or registration. This could be done by requiring users or sellers of these collars to be licensed or registered under section 27.
There are a number of different electronic training aids and, whilst mainly used on dogs, they are also designed for use on cats and horses. Some collars are designed to pass an electric current between two terminals which make contact with the animal's neck (a "shock" or "static pulse" collar). These collars will transmit an electric current or other electric impulse through the skin of the animal wearing it. There are also other training aids which are operated electronically but do not pass a current to the animal. These collars operate by emitting a noise or ultrasonic sound; or a spray of water or citronella.
The principle is the same for these devices; the electric shock (or static pulse), noise, or ultrasound is unpleasant or irritating and is activated when the animal engages in unwanted behaviour. The devices are designed so that the animal associates the action with the unpleasant sensation and, in time, the unwanted behaviour stops.