The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed Defra’s consultation on banning the use of shock collars in England, following a sustained joint campaign by BVA and other organisations.

BVA President John Fishwick said: “We welcome the Government’s launch of a consultation on banning the use of shock collars in England and would like to see it result in an effective ban soon.

“Electronic training devices such as shock collars have been proven to cause pain and unnecessary suffering, and we know from leading veterinary behaviourists that using fear as a training tool is less effective than positive training methods, such as encouragement or rewards, and can take a toll on an animal’s overall welfare.”

Mr Fishwick added: “We were in Westminster last week along with several animal welfare charities to highlight the issue and call upon Members of Parliament to back a ban on the use of shock collars. We were pleased to see several MPs pledge their support.”

BVA said it will continue to push for an outright ban on the sale and import of shock collars across the UK.