A major change could see a common pet accessory banned after it was branded “cruel and unnecessary”.
Electric shock dog collars will be banned across the UK from February next year.
The collars, often used as a training device, can deliver painful shocks continuously for 11 seconds.
They send electrical shocks of varying intensities through a radio-controlled device that can be triggered from two miles away.
The devices cost £20 each and around one in 20 Brits admit to using them on their dogs.
Charity The Club Kennel welcomed the ban and called it a “historic moment for animal welfare”.
The Mirror’s CEO Mark Beazley said: “The law banning electric shock collars in England, which comes into effect next year, is a historic moment for animal welfare and will end the suffering and suffering of countless dogs who are still subjected to these cruel and unnecessary devices.
“There is no excuse for using these devices, which cause physical and psychological harm, especially with the wide range of positive training methods available.”
Dr Rachel Casey, of the Dogs Trust, also celebrated.
He told The Sun Online: “We welcome today’s announcement from Defra that handheld electric shock collars will be banned in England. It is both unnecessary and cruel to use these collars on dogs.
“Research has shown that electric shock collars negatively affect a dog’s well-being and instead of improving behavior, risk causing further behavioral problems. Worse, they can be a mechanism for further -will be abused if used in anger.”
However, not everyone who works with animals agrees with the ban.
The National Sheep Association warned last year that scrapping training equipment would be “grossly irresponsible” and could lead to “catastrophe to animal welfare”.
The Telegraph reports more than 200 sheep farmers from across England have reported an increasing number of “distressing and sickening” dog attacks.
The ban comes after animal campaigners have poured years into fighting for change.
On 26 February 2018, the Sun exclusively revealed that Michael Gove will announce collars will be banned by the Government.
In March 2018, Michael Gove said: “We are now proposing to ban the use of electric shock collars to improve animal welfare.”
Wales has banned collars in recent years.
