§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek to ban the import of battery-powered dog collars which deliver an electric shock when the dog barks.
§ Mr. Channon[pursuant to the reply, 24 April 1985;
c. 460]: It is an offence under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 to cause any unnecessary suffering to a domestic or captive animal. If these collars caused cruelty to a dog it would be illegal to use them. If the use of the collars is found to be illegal a ban on their imports could be considered. But at present it is not illegal to use or sell the collars in the United Kingdom, and, unless the situation changes, it would not be appropriate to ban their import.