Written question asked by Linda Riordan (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2006. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 July 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Electric Shock Collars

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the Government will carry out an investigation into the use of electric shock collars as a training aid for dogs; and if he will use such research to assess the merits of banning their use.

Answer: We recognise that future research into electric shock collars is a priority. The Department has recently circulated a new call for research, in the form of a Limited Tender Call, with the aim of taking forward any research on or after April 2007. The aim is to obtain independent scientific evidence so that a decision can be taken as to whether or not there is a need for regulation in this area.We have also asked the Companion Animal Welfare Council, in its role as advisory body to the Government on companion animal welfare matters, to undertake an independent study of available evidence on the use of electronic training devices. The outcome of this study will help inform Defra policy and will complement any separate research that Defra commissions into these devices.If regulation were considered necessary there would be a full public consultation before any regulations were drafted and put to Parliament. All research into these areas commissioned by the Government will be put in the public domain.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 449 c1482W; 87113
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Animal Welfare: Electric Shock Collars
Wednesday, 8 November 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Animal welfare Dogs Training
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk