Scotland fails to ban dog shock collars

[WyldFyre]

So Scotland is to lift the total ban on tail docking - allowing vets to do spaniels and pointers - but has stopped short of a full ban on shock collars.
They will be allowed if used under supervision of a vet or "approved trainer".

I'm pro docking for working dogs, having seen some horrendous tail injuries over the years, but disgusted that they've listened to the argument that they work as a last ditch effort on some dogs.

To me using a shock collar for training is akin to a modern doctor using blood letting to cure cancer.

news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Protecting-animal-welfare-2c77.aspx

"The Scottish Government has decided to allow the use of electronic training collars only under the guidance of an authorised person, rather than implement an outright ban. This is because there is no documented evidence of deliberate abuse of collars on animals in Scotland and there are examples of use in certain circumstances to benefit the welfare of some animals. SSPCA received 23 complaints between 2011 and 2014 about electronic collars, all were investigated and advice given, but SSPCA considered no further action." (Scottish Government, 4 October 2016)

How the hell can they give authority for use to vets who the vast majority have no behavioural quals?

And how can they choose 'authorised trainers' in an unregulated industry?!

hate the thought of shock collars but i do understand the tail docking of some breeds

Who on earth is going to be an "authorised person" ? So you can set yourself up as a shock collar trainer with government approval? :( that's seriously nuts.

No trainer worth their salt would give approval so who are they really giving permission to? Backyard 'trainers' and old-school types who use punishment-based training. And how are they going to police this? There's enough types now that think picking their gun dog up by the scruff of its neck and throwing it several feet teaches it to stay put. I dread to think what will happen now they're given free rein to use shock collars.

The thing is, under supervision however vague is still tighter controls than none at all, which is what was in place and remains in place in England.

True. Still needs banning here.