Highland MSP joins fight against electric shock dog collars
Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has backed efforts to ban the use of electric shock dog collars in Scotland.
Mr Halcro Johnston has joined those from all political parties in signing a letter to Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon, demanding an effective and workable ban via regulations which would leave those who continue to use the collars facing prosecution.
A ban has already been introduced in Wales, and one is being taken forward at Westminster. But despite a pledge by the Scottish Government in 2018 to "effectively and promptly" ban the use of electric shock dog collars, current 'guidance' has proven ineffective in stopping their use and taking action against those who continue to use them.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: "I fully support the call for an effective ban on electric shock collars. It is unacceptable that their use continues despite the Scottish Government's pledge to ban it.
"I hope the Scottish Government take heed of this letter – one signed by MSPs from all political parties - and takes action to introduce a ban on electric shock collars. They have already been banned in Wales since 2010, and Westminster plans to follow suit soon.
"We need a change in regulations to ensure that the use of these collars is finally banned, and that those that flout the law and continue to use them are held accountable for their actions.
“Dogs should not be being trained through fear and pain, and it’s well beyond time this practice was put an end to”.
The letter points out: "Following contact with The Kennel Club and Scottish SPCA, (with support from Battersea, the RSPCA, Blue Cross, and the British Veterinary Association), we wanted to write to you regarding concerns around the continued legality of remote-controlled electric shock dog collars.
"Such devices emit electric shocks to dogs via metal prongs contacting the dog’s neck, of up to 6,000 volts, for up to 11 seconds at a time and work at a range of up to two miles away – meaning the dog can receive an electric shock without their owner being in sight.
"After considering extensive research and issuing a consultation, the Scottish Government claimed to effectively ban the use of electric shock collars via updated guidance in 2018. However, the guidance is ineffective and it is our view that regulations should be introduced, as is the case in Wales, and as has been committed to in Westminster.
"We understand that Scottish Government has reviewed the guidance and are disappointed that it is being found to be adequate when there is evidence of professional e-collar 'trainers' advertising specific training on how to use these devices in Scotland without fear of prosecution."
