Gordon has joined animal welfare and veterinary organisations in calling for a ban on electric shock collars for dogs.



He has joined forces with the Kennel Club, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the British Veterinary Association and the Dogs Trust in calling in Parliament for a ban on the use and sale of electric shock collars on dogs.

The event gave MPs an opportunity to call upon the Environment Secretary, Michael Gove to open a consultation on banning the sale and use of these cruel and unnecessary devices.

Electric shock collars are fitted around a dog’s neck and deliver an electric shock via a remote control or automatic trigger. They train dogs through fear of further punishment by administering shocks to the dog when they do not perform and cause significant suffering.

The use of devices has been banned in Wales since 2010 and the Scottish Government recently announced plans to follow suit. In addition, bans are in place across Europe and much of Australia.

Research published by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) concluded that the use of electric shock collars as a training method has long-term negative welfare impacts on dogs. And an independent survey by the Kennel Club found that 74 per cent of the public would support the Government in introducing a ban on their use.

Gordon said: “I'm glad to come along here today to show my support for a ban on the use and sale of electric shock collars. People across Blackpool South have been contacting me to urge Government to act on this, and as someone who has had dogs I particularly support this campaign.'

“I know from my own experience with my dogs that the way to the heart of a well-trained dog is patience, consistency and as all the groups supporting this campaign have said the use of humane, positive and reward and affection based methods. Electric shock collars have been shown to be both detrimental to dog welfare and unpopular amongst the public - it could also be traumatic particularly to rescue dogs of whom they are too many.

“Other methods of modifying behaviour, including among the minority of aggressive dogs, have been shown to work far better. That's why it is right for the Government to show their commitment to dog welfare. It's why I'm calling on Michael Gove, the Minister responsible in this area, to act now on the evidence and ban these cruel and unnecessary devices.”