Guy has long campaigned for an effective ban on the use of electronic shock collars on cats and dogs. Yet, seven years on from the first consulation on a ban, we are still - disgracefully - waiting for action.
Guy raised the issue in a short debate in the House of Lords. He asked the DEFRA Minister, Baroness Hayman, whether she "agrees that the use of electronic shock collars on cats and dogs is cruel and unnecessary, causing pain, fear and stress in animals we should be caring for."
He want on to ask:
"Could she therefore explain why they have not yet been banned, a full seven years after a consultation on their use in 2018 showed strong support in favour of a ban from those with animal welfare expertise? The then [Conservative] Government, with strong backing from the noble Baroness, were fully supportive, but draft regulations brought to this House [of Lords] in 2023 moved with glacial speed and timed out before the election.
Since then, nothing has happened, and animals are still being caused pain and suffering. I know Whitehall can move with great speed when it wants to, but is not seven years unacceptable? Can the Minister, who I know is a great supporter of animal welfare and a proud cat owner, tell us when these regulations will reappear? "
The full text of the debate is here.
ENDS
