My View: Electric Shock Collars

I share the concerns of every constituent who has contacted me about electric shock collars –they are deeply cruel and outdated, and as a dog lover and owner myself, the thought of any dog being subject to such awful treatment infuriates me. That is why I am delighted our Government has committed to consulting on whether to ban the use of electric shock collars this Parliament as part of the new Animal Welfare Strategy, which I've spoken about on my website before. I’ll be following the progression of this closely, and hope we follow in the footsteps of Wales, where electric shock collars have been banned have for a long time now.

We are a country that cares deeply for animals. Pets bring us comfort and companionship, and animals in the UK support livelihoods and keep our ecosystems healthy. That is why I am incredibly proud of our long history supporting animal welfare, which this Labour Government is committed to continuing through their ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy.

In producing the Animal Welfare Strategy, I know our Government worked with industry, scientists, animal welfare organisations and charities to fully understand the underlying issues leading to poor animal welfare. I understand our Government will continue to work closely with these stakeholders, including when it comes to consult on e-collars, to ensure policy is targeted and results in lasting change.

I fully support the vision of the Animal Welfare Strategy to ensure every animal experiences positive welfare throughout their lives. This strategy – which plans to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting and curb low welfare dog breeding – only builds on our Government’s actions to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and to protect livestock from dog attacks. I am incredibly proud of this record and can assure you all I will continue to support the most ambitious reforms to animal welfare in a generation.