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Written question asked by Bill Esterson (Labour) on Monday, 17 July 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2023 (named day). It was answered by Trudy Harrison (Conservative) on Friday, 21 July 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Electronic Training Aids

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 July 2023 to Question 193127 on Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023, whether her Department has discussed the potential merits of positive-only training of dogs with the British Veterinary Association; and if she will make a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of the use of (a) e-collars and (b) positive-only training of dogs on the prevalence of dog attacks on sheep.

Answer

The British Veterinary Association submitted a response to my Department’s 2018 consultation on ‘Electronic training collars for cats and dogs in England’ The response supported the use of reward-based training methods. Defra carefully considered this response alongside the other responses received.

We maintain that keeping dogs on leads around livestock and securing dog enclosures offer effective means of preventing dog attacks on livestock, keeping both livestock and dogs safe without the need to use e-collars.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
194373
Session
2022-23
Related items
Subjects
Animal welfare Dogs Sheep Electronic training aids Livestock worrying
Legislation
Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk