Dogs across Wales, together with the Kennel Club, dog trainers and welfare organisations, are celebrating after the National Assembly for Wales voted in favour of the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 which will ban the use of electric shock training devices.
The ban is the first of its kind in the UK and is the first secondary regulation that will be introduced in Wales under the Animal Welfare Act which differs from the one in place at Westminster.
After four years of campaigning, the Kennel Club was in Cardiff to witness the motion to approve a ban on the use of electric shock collars in Wales. This follows Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones’ announcement in February in which she stated a ban would ‘go a long way to promote the welfare of dogs and cats in Wales’.
Before the final vote, Assembly Member Mick Bates was encouraged to vote for a ban by witnessing a demonstration from local trainers of the Kennel Club’s Good Citizen Dog Scheme, to prove further that dogs can be successfully trained without the need for electric shock training devices and aversive training techniques.
A long standing supporter of the Kennel Club’s campaign, Mick Bates said:
“I am delighted that Wales is the first country in the UK to ban these devices. Pain and fear are not humane methods by which to train a dog. There is no justification for the use of electric shock training devices and the Welsh Assembly’s decision give a clear message that Wales is leading the way on this important animal welfare issue.”
Kennel Club Communications Director, Caroline Kisko said: “This is a historic day for animal welfare and we are thrilled that not a single Member voted against the regulations.
“The Kennel Club began campaigning for a ban in Wales over four years ago, and we are truly indebted to Mick and various AMs from all parties who have been instrumental in helping us reach this point.
“We now hope that the rest of the UK will follow by example to outlaw these cruel and unnecessary devices.”
The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 will come into force at 00.01 on Wednesday 24th March.
For further information on the Kennel Club campaign to ban electric shock collars, contact the External Affairs department on 0844 463 3980 ext 301 or visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/kccampaigns.
