South Swindon MP Anne Snelgrove has challenged Lord Rooker to follow the example of the Welsh Assembly and ban shock collars.

Anne says in letter to the Minister sent today: “The Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones has announced that Wales will be introducing a ban on electric shock training devices, including collars, mats and leads. This marks a clear demonstration of the Welsh Assembly’s commitment to introducing regulations to further animal welfare now that the Act is in force.

As you know from our recent meeting, my view is that these electric training devices should be banned by the Westminster Government as they are unnecessary, and significantly compromise dogs’ (and other animals) welfare.

I understand that so much research exists on ‘electronic training devices’, which proves their use compromises dog’s welfare that various academics, most notably those from Bristol University, were not permitted to carry out further research when Defra put out their initial tender for this. It is only since the proposals for research were amended in order that shock collars were not used on dogs that had never experienced them before, that it was agreed research could take place. 

I have noted from previous answers to parliamentary questions that at a time when Defra is suffering cut backs and redundancies, the department is spending £469,000 on further research, despite the fact that so much peer reviewed research already exists.

It is my view that in order to demonstrate our country’s commitment to animal welfare, we need to move forward with a similar ban as soon as possible. The Welsh announcement is a clear signal that the further research is not necessary and resources instead should be focussed on bringing forward a complete ban on shock collars at the earliest opportunity.”  

Anne invited a representative of the Kennel Club to meet with Lord Rooker on the 11th June to discuss the ban of Electric shock training devices.