Written Question · S4W-21691 · Session 4
What its position is on the use of electric shock dog collars.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the use of electric shock dog collars.
The answer
As noted in part of the answer to S4W-17063 from Christine Graham on 19 September 2013, the latest Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) funded research into the effect of electronic shock collars found no evidence of long-term or significant harm to dog welfare. Based on this evidence the Scottish Government does not believe that there are sufficient grounds for a ban.
However, it is important to ensure that such collars are used responsibly and manufactured to a high standard. We will therefore work with Defra and industry to ensure the development of a set of manufacturing standards for electronic shock collars and of guidance about how such collars should be used to avoid misuse.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.
However, it is important to ensure that such collars are used responsibly and manufactured to a high standard. We will therefore work with Defra and industry to ensure the development of a set of manufacturing standards for electronic shock collars and of guidance about how such collars should be used to avoid misuse.
All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-21691 by reference.