Electric shock collars for dogs in Scotland could finally be banned as new consultation launched
A ban on remote-controlled shock collars for dogs is being considered by the Scottish Government despite an official review stating the evidence against them is inconclusive.
The devices - which can be bought online for as little as £50 - are used to train pets by delivering an electronic pulse which can be administered by their owners through a handset.
The use of such collars has long been a subject of controversy with some organisations claiming they cause pain and distress to dogs and that their use could not be justified.
A potential ban in Scotland was first considered almost 20 years ago but they currently remain legal.
An official review of the Animals and Wildlife (Scotland) Act 2020 has now concluded a new consultation should take place.
After considering evidence gathered over the past 20 years it found there is 'no consensus' within the dog training industry or among dog owners on whether a ban was needed.
Opinion is also divided among dog breeding organisations, pet training and pet advisory organisations, vets, the police, farmers, and other groups.
The review added: 'While there is a risk of misuse of these devices, as there is with many other training tools, the scientific evidence does not indicate that static pulse collars are inherently harmful to all dogs, and there is no evidence to suggest that they are more harmful than other aversive training devices in common use."
But it concluded that a consultation on a ban should still take place, given that 10 years has passed since the previous one.
It also highlighted a 2023 report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission, which concluded that on balance, shock collars should be banned.
Holly Conway, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, said she was strongly in favour of a ban.
"While government guidance condemns their usage, an outright ban has been recommended by the independent Scottish Animal Welfare Commission and is supported by the welfare, veterinary and positive dog training sector,' she told the 1919 current affairs magazine.
"Evidence has shown time and again that they are outdated and unnecessary devices and so we urge the Scottish Government to ban them as a priority.'
A spokesperson for the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Scotland said any ban would make it more difficult to train working dogs.
"NFU Scotland recognises the need to safeguard animal welfare and supports proportionate, evidence-based regulation,' they said.
"However, we would urge the Scottish Government to engage with the farming and rural community before introducing any ban on static pulse collars.
"For many hill and upland farms, working dogs are essential tools for managing livestock safely and efficiently across difficult terrain.
"In these contexts, remote training collars – used responsibly by trained handlers – can offer a humane and effective way of reinforcing critical commands at distance, reducing the risk of livestock stress or injury."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'As part of our review of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) Act 2020, we considered whether or not further legal provisions are required on the use of collars that use a static pulse on animals.
"To date, the only type of device recommended for a ban by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission is remote-controlled static pulse training collars, which they describe as e-collars. On this basis, we have committed to consulting on a potential ban of these specific devices."
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