77% of Brits support a ban on electric shock collars as dog welfare experts urge Government not to delay

DATA released by The Kennel Club shows the majority of the British public want to see a ban on electric shock collars. 77% of Brits said they believe the devices, which punish a dog for unwanted behaviour by delivering a shock to their neck via a remote control, should be banned, and more widely, 56% of dog owners don't think the Government is doing enough to protect animal welfare in the UK.

Whilst a ban on electric shock collars has been promised, no date has been set for the final stage of the law to be passed through Parliament, putting it at risk of being dropped completely. The Kennel Club, the UK's largest organisation dedicated to dog health and welfare, is urging the Government not to delay.

Extensive evidence, including research funded by Defra, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, shows that shock collars not only cause unnecessary harm and suffering for dogs, but they also do not create a greater deterrent for disobedience and do not result in better learning or behavioural outcomes.

The National Police Chiefs' Council have also highlighted that the vast majority of livestock worrying incidents involve dogs that have escaped from their homes, with Lord Benyon, Defra Minister, claiming 'these are cases that hand controlled e-collars could not have prevented.' Meanwhile the National Farmers Union recognise that for the minority of cases which involve dogs being walked, keeping a dog on a lead in the vicinity of livestock will be the most effective route to preventing livestock worrying, and the Police have also been clear that they would not recommend the use of e-collars to prevent instances of livestock worrying.

The Kennel Club, which has campaigned for a ban on these unnecessary devices for over 10 years, is calling for the public to write to Defra showing their support for the ban, and urging decision makers not to delay. Dog lovers can find a template letter on The Kennel Club website.

This comes after the Kept Animals Bill, a long delayed law which promised to crackdown on several significant animal welfare issues, including puppy smuggling and pet theft, was abandoned by the Government in May this year. Ministers had hailed this bill as part of making the UK:- 'a world leader on animal welfare' and that it would create:- 'the world's strongest' protections for animals.

"We urge dog lovers across the UK to support this ban and put pressure on the Government to follow through with their promises for animal welfare. After the Kept Animals Bill, which should have brought in laws to tackle the cruel puppy smuggling trade and crackdown on heartbreaking pet theft, was delayed time and time again, and then abandoned entirely earlier this year, we are really concerned that important animal welfare issues are disappearing from the political agenda, along with promises for long overdue and vital protections for the nation's much-loved pets. Research has shown there is absolutely no need for cruel shock collars, which cause physical and psychological harm, given the vast array of positive training methods available. We urge the Government to keep its promise and ban these devices as a priority. Their reputation to deliver on commitments is waning after other animal welfare legislative proposals have been dropped and since no date has been set to bring in this ban; which is already in place in Wales. Shock collars were also banned in France earlier this year, and in Scotland an independent Animal Welfare Commission has recommended a complete ban on their use. Meanwhile, in England, we are still waiting for a date to get a ban passed once and for all. This long awaited piece of legislation, and action on animal welfare, must not be delayed." commented Mark Beazley, Chief Executive at The Kennel Club.

More information about The Kennel Club's campaign to ban shock collars, and instructions for those who wish to write to Defra is available at:- TheKennelClub.Org.UK.

Liverpool 1 are back with their annual Dog Show

LIVERPOOL ONE's iconic Dog Show is back, and dog owners are being encouraged to pre-register for this Labradorable event in the City.

Taking place on:- Sunday, 10 September 2023, on Chavasse Park, the City's dogs will have the opportunity to enter an array of categories all with a chance of being crowned champions.

The categories at the Liverpool 1 Dog Show are:- Cutest Puppy, Prettiest Pooch, Handsomest Boy, Best Tricks, Fancy Dress, Doggy Musical Statues and Rescue Dog.

The judging panel includes:- charity partner of the event, Tails Animal Welfare, along with:- The Liverpool Vets, Urban Paws and Dog 1 Grooming. And back again, presenting the Dog Show is Liverpool's favourite, Leanne Campbell.

Fellow pooches will have the opportunity to show judges what they can do on the big stage, before parading to an audience on Chavasse Park.

There will be a winner and runner up for each category. Winners will take home dog treats, as well as a £50 Liverpool 1 gift card while runner ups will receive a £25 Liverpool 1 gift card. Every entrant will also receive a Liverpool 1 Dog Show collar rosette!

Liverpool 1 Dog Show welcomes fun for all the family. With food and drink stalls, activities, demonstrations, and local businesses selling pooch friendly gifts and products.

You can expect to see activities such as doggy 1st aid with:- The Liverpool Vets, Toddies Dog's Training tricks arena, talks from Urban Paws and Dog 1 Grooming, and even a Dog Agility arena from Pawsitively Does It!

Dogs are always welcome throughout Liverpool ONE, with public water bowls, dog-friendly restaurants, and stores where well-behaved dogs can join their owners for shopping trips.

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:- "We are thrilled to announce that our beloved Dog Show is back for another year at the award winning Chavasse Park. We are looking forward to welcoming families for a day filled with wagging tails, fantastic prizes, and a celebration of our furry friends."

Lesley Finnih of Tails Animal Welfare, the charity partner of this year's event, said:- "As a small charity, we rely on the support kindly given by members of the public to enable us to continue to support a whole range of dogs. Events like the Liverpool 1 Dog Show drive donations while admiring our own furry family members at the same time, it really is a win-win and we look forward to seeing everyone and making this a huge success."

Places to participate on the free to enter Liverpool 1 Dog Show are limited and will be on a 1st come, 1st served basis. Be sure to pre-register today to secure your place!

To pre-register, visit:- Liverpool-One.Com.