SNP welcome shock collar ban commitment from UK Government

PUBLIC PRESSURE BRINGS END TO “UNNECESSARY AND CRUEL” PRACTICE

Reports suggest that electric shock collar devices used on dogs will be banned by Westminster “within weeks”, following sustained public pressure and a campaign led by the SNP.

Animal welfare charities have described such devices as “unnecessary and cruel” and the Scottish Government has already committed to action over the use of shock collars on dogs in Scotland.

The SNP’s Ben Macpherson MSP, alongside MP colleagues Deirdre Brock and Tommy Sheppard, have continued to lobby the UK government on the issue – as powers over the sale and distribution of shock collars throughout the UK remain reserved to Westminster. A petition brought forward by the politicians has amassed over 7,600 signatures in favour of a UK-wide ban.

Ben Macpherson MSP said: “I’m delighted to see the UK government following Scotland’s lead, and gearing up to ban the sale of shock collars throughout the country.

“The Scottish Government has already committed to take decisive action on these devices which cause pain and distress to dogs. That is absolutely the right thing to do for any government which takes the welfare of animals seriously.

“It’s good to see the Tories have, at last, been jolted into action after a sustained campaign and significant public pressure, and I look forward to seeing their proposals brought forward.”

Deidre Brock MP added: “Inflicting pain on a dog doesn’t help to train it, it just causes pain. People who think this is a good idea are stuck in the past; it’s time to end the suffering.

“Now that we have cross-party consensus on this I hope we’ll see a quick resolution, fast action from the UK Government and an end to shock collars.”

Tommy Sheppard MP commented: “It’s encouraging to see the UK government finally wising up and saying no to a device which causes distress and suffering for no good reason. They don’t even work.

“Hats off to the Scottish Government for blazing a trail in this area of animal welfare. And, credit where it’s due, the UK government has finally woken up to the strength of public feeling. It’s imperative they now move quickly to end the sale of shock collars for good.”