Mick Bates responds to consultation on regulation of electric shock devices (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Mick Bates responds to consultation on regulation of electric shock devices

May 27, 2009 12:00 AM

Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Mick Bates AM, has expressed concerns about the proposed regulations on the Animal Welfare (Electronic Devices)(Wales) Regulations 2009 which will regulate the use of electric shock devices in Wales.

Commenting Mick stated:

"The Welsh Lib Dems welcome the Minister's decision to regulate the use of electric shock devices on companion animals. Pain and fear are not humane methods by which to educate or train. There are many positive training techniques which can be used to train dogs quickly, easily and reliably without damaging the relationship between the dog and the handler through causing physical or emotional harm."

In response to the consultation on the Animal Welfare (Electronic Devices)(Wales) Regulations 2009 the Welsh Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Welsh Government decision to regulate on this issue but have raised some specific concerns over the Section 4 defences which could be used to escape liability and allow a person to justify the use of an electronic device.

Commenting on the consultation Mick added:

"It should not be a defence for a person to claim that a device was not capable of causing an electric shock to the animal - this clause is illogical as there would be no purpose in using an electronic device if the intention was not to cause an electric shock. It would be too subjective, difficult to enforce and open to abuse as it could be argued that a device was broken or not fully charged even if this was not in fact the case.

"I do understand the argument that an electric shock collar may on occasion be needed for dogs exercised near livestock due to some dog's instinct to chase, as while it is an offence to allow dogs to roam at large near livestock, in reality it may be the case that this occurs regardless of this regulation.

"However, a vet should not be allowed to direct the use of a collar unless as a last resort when fully satisfied that all other more humane methods of training had been tried. There should be a maximum time frame within which an electronic device may be used once administered by a vet, with regular assessment to determine the impact of the device on the health and welfare of the animal, to limit the physical and emotional damage that may be caused by the device."

Notes:

Full details of the consultation can be found at:

http://wales.gov.uk/consultations/environmentandcountryside/awshockcollardraftregs2009/?lang=en

Ends/Diwedd