Durkan backing campaign to end 'shocking' way to treat a dog

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has joined forces with Britain’s largest dog welfare organisation – the Kennel Club - to call for a ban on the use and sale of electric shock collars. Electric shock collars are fitted around a dog’s neck and deliver an electric shock via a remote control or automatic trigger.

They train dogs out of fear of further punishment by administering shocks to the dog when they do not perform what is asked of them. Research published by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) concluded the use of electric shock collars as a training method has a long term negative welfare impact on dogs. Furthermore, an independent survey commissioned by the Kennel Club earlier this year found that 73 per cent of the general public are against the use of electric shock collars and 74 per cent would support the government in introducing a ban on their use. Supporting the campaign in Westminster, Mr Durkan said: “I strongly believe that the time is right for the government to show their commitment to the welfare of dogs and ban these cruel and unnecessary devices.” Photo shows Mr Durkan supporting the Kennel Club campaign in Westminster.