Electric dog training collars now banned in Wales
Dog training collar ban.
As of 24 March it became illegal to attach an electric collar to a dog in Wales, following the Welsh Assembly?s decision to pursue a total ban, despite strong opposition from those who say the devices have saved their dogs.
Under the 2010 Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations, it is prohibited to attach an electronic collar to a cat or a dog, and anyone who breaches the prohibition is liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 51 weeks or a fine of up to £5,000, or both.
It is not, however, illegal to sell electric collars in Wales.
The Kennel Club, which has campaigned hard for electric collars to be abolished throughout the UK, welcomed the ban.
Communications director, Caroline Kisko, said: ?The Kennel Club began campaigning for a ban in Wales over four years ago, and we are truly indebted to Assembly Members from all parties who have been instrumental in helping us to reach this point.
Wales has proven it is truly leading the way and we hope that the rest of the UK will follow by example to outlaw these cruel and unnecessary devices.?
The Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) announced that, if necessary, it would seek a judicial review of the ban.
Spokesman, Duncan McNair, said: ?The result of the ban will be that more dogs will die; more dogs will have to be re-homed and more owners will have to be distressed at having to give up their pets. Dog owners in Wales are now worse off than those in other parts of the UK.?
?Accordingly, solicitors for ECMA have formally requested an urgent reconsideration and reversal of the implementation of this decision by the Welsh ministers. If that request is not complied with imminently, ECMA will seek judicial review of this decision in the High Court.?
