Written question asked by Tony Baldry (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 July 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 July 2007. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 July 2007 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research he has evaluated on the use of electric shock collars on dogs; when his Department will begin such research; how much this study is expected to cost; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 24 July 2007]: DEFRA has now evaluated the single proposal received in response to the limited tender call circulated in July 2006. We very much hope that a three-year programme of research will begin in September 2007. As soon as any DEFRA research is commissioned, details, including likely costs, will be put in the public domain.I also refer the hon. Member to the answers my predecessor the hon. Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw) gave on 6 December 2006, Official Report, column 420W and 8 January 2007, Official Report, column 272W.

Secondary information