The UK Government has announced it will ban electric pet collars – devices used to shock cats and dogs as a method of control – in England.

The decision follows lobbying from animal welfare organizations which argue the electrocution is ‘painful’ and ‘cruel’.

According to animal charity PETA, the collars ‘rely on painful punishment and negative reinforcement, causing dogs to live in fear of being electrocuted for normal behaviours like crossing invisible lines, barking, and jumping onto surfaces within their own homes’.

Welfare

In line with PETA’s stance, Environmental Secretary Michael Gove said: “This ban will improve the welfare of animals and I urge pet owners to instead use positive-reward training methods.”

However, the government has not approved a ban on electric fences, which are also opposed by a number of animal charities – including The Dog Trust, and PETA.