Good news for Welsh dogs

The perfect harness is light and soft and puts the dog's centre of gravity at the centre of the back.

Elin Jones said: "After giving due consideration to the arguments, I propose to introduce a ban on the use of electric shock collars in Wales.” She further commented that Wales was “leading the way” with this ban now in place. Elin went on to explain that the ban would stand on any product that induces a shock from which a dog cannot escape. This is the first ban of its kind in the UK with Ministers praising the Kennel Club for their relentless pursuit of this subject.

Trish Law (AM for Blaenau Gwent) commented “I must pay tribute to those individuals and groups who have successfully lobbied for a ban, in particular the Kennel Club which has diligently and tirelessly relayed with clarity to AMs its inarguable case for a ban.”

Caroline Kisko replied for the Kennel Club: “We are extremely pleased to hear of the announcement. Electric shock collars are a cruel, outdated and unsuitable method of training dogs and we applaud Wales for leading the way on this issue and hope others will follow.”

The use of shock collars has already been subjected to ban or control in a number of countries, and a ban or legislative control of their use is supported by most of the major animal welfare charities. They are banned in Denmark, Slovenia and Sweden, with Austria and Italy also considering introducing bans. However, there are still many other countries around the world that see no need to ban them whatsoever.

In Australia, it is illegal to import a shock collar through Australian Customs, despite widespread availability and varying laws in different states. Shock collars are illegal to own and use in Australia's Capital Territory (ACT), but according to the 1979 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, electric collars for dog confinement only, are perfectly legal to use and own in New South Wales (NSW).

The use of shock collars is restricted in Victoria (VIC), South Australia (SA) and Northern Territory (NT), though it is not against the law to purchase or own a shock collar in these states. Currently, there are no laws against purchase, ownership or use of a shock collar in Queensland (QLD), Western Australia (WA) or Tasmania (TAS). The restrictions on the use of shock collars within several Australian states require that the dog owner first consult with a qualified veterinarian or dog trainer.

In New Zealand the devices are not banned, but their use is covered by a dog code. In the UK those wanting a ban include the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club. The behavioural medicine departments of all of the veterinary colleges in the UK support a ban on their use. Even the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO, UK) has banned their use in police dog training establishments.

Nationally in the UK, the government has not made a final decision on the matter, although continued pressure and debate in the House of Commons supports a ban. The Electric Shock Training Devices Bill was rejected by parliament last year and nothing has been seen to be done about it since then. Collars can be bought from pet shops or on the internet for £25 or more.

Welsh Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said: "We take animal welfare very seriously in Wales. They are the most highly aversive training devices and the only way they can change a dog's behaviour is through pain and through fear." Neither the British Veterinary Association (BVA) nor the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) support the use of the devices. In a statement, the BSAVA said that shocks received during training could be stressful, painful and frightening for the animal and may also produce long-term adverse effects on behaviour.