Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue announces forthcoming regulations that will outlaw the application of electric collars on dogs and cats. The forthcoming action is based on considerable consultations on this issue, he disclosed on RTÉ radio’s Today Show.
The prohibition will not affect electric fencing, since animals can evade them. The main focus is on electric shock collars utilised to manage dogs’ and cats’ behaviour, and at times, for training purposes.
Those who presently employ the use of remote controlled electric collars on their pets won’t be obligated to discard them. The minister expressed the intent to phase out such restraining strategies eventually, labelling this as an equitable reaction.
He stated he didn’t expect a surge in purchasing such items ahead of the impending ban. While their usage isn’t extensive, it’s imperative, from an animal welfare perspective, to introduce new regulations, guaranteeing appropriate respect and care for pets.
The push for these changes is informed by a need to ensure that Ireland’s animal protection laws and policies are fitting. The issue is under constant assessment and adjustment where necessary as new facts come to light.
The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which was convened to unite all key entities and organisations, suggested the new rules. Detailed by the Department of Agriculture, the anticipated regulation will forbid the use of electronic shock collars controlled using a hand-held remote for dogs and cats.
The new regulation will allow those who currently use these collars to register with the department, provide the dog’s microchip ID and dog licence number, and continue using the collars for the lifespan of the registered dog. The registration ought to be finished within three months from the implementation of the regulation. The regulation will not affect the use of such collars on deaf dogs, they will be exempted.