The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors responds to the Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly Government consultations on the use, sale, distribution and possession of electronic training aids relating to cats and dogs.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly Government invited the APBC to respond to their consultation on electronic training aids on cats and dogs. The consultations cover a wide range of electronic training devices, including the more common electric collars and 'freedom fences' with a view to prohibiting or restricting their use. Full details can be found on their websites -  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/09/04164628/2 and http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/currentconsultation/envandcouncurrcons/?lang=en

Following discussion with the committee and wider membership, David compiled the APBC’s response, which has now been submitted to both bodies.

People often feel shame and guilt at having used electric shock devices on their pets, or allowing a third party to 'train' their pets using one, and can be reluctant to come forward. Because of this, and client confidentiality, APBC members were able to provide examples only by removing identifying details from their reports. It will come as no surprise that none of the examples were positive, and in many cases severe stress was caused to the dogs, resulting in aggression towards people or other dogs that they had not shown previously. In one example a 'difficult' dog was eventually put to sleep as a direct result of using an electric collar that caused the dog to show aggression towards household members.  

You can find the full details of the responses on the APBC’s website at:

• http://www.apbc.org.uk/article15.htm (Response to Scottish Government)
• http://www.apbc.org.uk/article16.htm (Response to Welsh Assembly Government)