HL Deb 06 May 2004 vol 660 cc134-5WA
Lord Harrison

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ban the sale of electric shock dog collars. [HL2162]

Lord Whitty

Defra is currently reviewing the legislation relating to the welfare of captive and domestic animals with the intention of introducing an Animal Welfare Bill into Parliament in the fourth legislative session. It is intended that any new legislation should include a power for the Secretary of State to prohibit or restrict the sale and use of certain devices used on animals. Any proposal to prohibit or restrict the sale and use of any device should be based on sound unambiguous scientific evidence. As there is currently no such evidence available in respect of electronic training devices for animals it is not currently proposed that any restrictions should be put in place.