MP backs call to ban 'cruel' dog collars

Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden is joining animal welfare campaigners in calling for a ban on electric shock collars for dogs.

The collars are used to train dogs through fear of punishment.

Mr Marsden has joined forces with the Kennel Club, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the British Veterinary Association and the Dogs Trust in asking Parliament for a ban on their use and sale.

He said: “People across Blackpool South have been contacting me to urge Government to act on this, and as someone who has had dogs I particularly support this campaign.

“I know from my own experience with my dogs that the way to the heart of a well-trained dog is patience, and as all the groups supporting this campaign have said, the use of humane, reward and affection based methods.

“Electric shock collars have been shown to be both detrimental to dog welfare and unpopular amongst the public.

“It could also be traumatic particularly to rescue dogs of whom there are too many.

“Other methods of modifying behaviour, including among the minority of aggressive dogs, have been shown to work far better.

“That’s why it is right for the Government to show their commitment to dog welfare.”