LAST MONTH, Charlie McConalogue T.D., announced his bold decision to move to ban the use on dogs and cats of electronic shock collars operated by hand-held remote controls.

The regulation will provide for those currently using these shock collars on their dogs to register with the Department, provide the dog’s microchip ID and dog licence number, and continue to use the collars for the lifetime of that dog.

This registration process is to be completed by three months from the date of introduction of the regulation. The regulation will also provide for exemptions allowing the use of these devices in deaf dogs.

The Minister said: “Dogs and cats are much-loved companions for so many of us in Ireland, and the use of manually operated remotely-controlled electronic shock collars is not an appropriate way to treat them. Many organisations and individuals have highlighted the welfare problems these collars can cause.

“The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which I set up in 2021, has also advised me on this matter and on that advice, I will be introducing a regulation in the coming months to ban their use.”

Referring to the recent public consultation on this issue, the Minister said:

“While I believe these devices should not be used on dogs or cats for welfare reasons, I have listened carefully to those who have raised their concerns about a ban.

“I recognise that some of the small number of dog owners, who currently use these shock collars, expressed worry about controlling their dogs if they stop using them. For that reason, I intend to permit those who currently use shock collars on their dogs to continue to do so, but only for those dogs.”

This proposal from Mr McConalogue T.D. relates only to the use of electronic shock collars operated by hand-held remote controls. It does not relate to anti-bark collars or collars linked to boundary fences or remote fencing to control other animals.