As Lord Robbie Douglas-Miller takes up his new role as Minster for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, the British Veterinary Association has written to him on behalf of its members and the wider veterinary professions to raise concern over the lack of progress through Parliament of legislation that will ban the use of shock collars as a training device for cats and dogs.

The Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (England) Regulations 2023 received approval in the House of Lords in June 2023, however the Statutory Instrument has not progressed despite the fact that it is due to come into force on Thursday, February 1, 2024.

Whilst it has been carried over into the current parliamentary session, it has yet to be allocated parliamentary time in the House of Commons.

BVA president Anna Judson wrote: “As this important piece of legislation will make it a punishable offence to attach an electronic shock collar to a dog or cat, ensuring that these regulations are approved and implemented is crucial for the wellbeing of animals in England.

“Research shows that using fear and punishment as a training tool, via means such as electronic shock collars, not only takes its toll on an animal’s overall welfare, it is also less effective than positive training methods.

“We would therefore be extremely grateful for your assurance that this Statutory Instrument will become law before it is too late.”