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Since Animals in Mind began in 1996, we have been against any form of punishment used to teach or control animals, especially electric shocks used as a punishment or training aid. Many people claim that shock collars are a remedy and that dogs suffer no other ill effects, this recent study would disagree. Generally it is a very cruel thing to do, not only due to the pain and discomfort it causes, but also because there are many other ways to teach animals and resolve problems. Recently these collars have become more readily available in the UK, they can even be hired at vets. Quite why any vet would hire a device to inflict unnecessary pain and suffering on a dog is a bit strange. There is an automatic version called an 'electronic fence', that is supposed to stop dogs wandering from a pre-defined perimeter. One salesman at a trade show told a veterinary nurse 'there was no proof that they cause pain'. Many advertisements for shock devices claim they give a 'static shock' - implying that the shock is harmless, but please remember that lightning is a 'static shock'. (see 'static electricity' means 'high voltage') Electric shocks have many factors, how much you can feel a shock is only a small part of the physics. When considering the damage that a collar can do, we also need to look at the current, voltage, frequency and duration of the shock as well as the position of the electrodes and conductivity of the dog being shocked. There are many reports of burns and ulcers being caused by shock collars. Manufacturers claim that their devices are not harmful or dangerous. Read this story of Rufus, then you may disagree. |
Some manufactures suggest they are beneficial, using phrases like 'safety,
freedom & peace of mind' - '...keep your dog(s) in complete freedom within a defined perimeter'
- 'Your dog is corrected by small electrical impulses' Some behaviourists are recommending that they are used to solve behaviour problems. The last thing a dog suffering a behaviour problem needs, is to be subjected to pain and discomfort. It would not be acceptable to use a shock collar to teach a human, why does it seem acceptable to teach a dog? A police dog handler told magistrates: "I have seen a dog react to an electric collar by jumping off the ground with all four legs, looking round to see where the pain had come from, then lying down on the floor and yelping." At shows and stalls around the country, the majority of people show support for a ban on shock collars. Even so, human history with pet animals is built on a basic belief that violence is justifiable, even necessary. This is a very big habit to change, but one day it will happen. Violence towards a pet animal can never be justified. We spend all our time trying to educate people that there is always an alternative to violence, and will always look forward to the day when society finds all violence unacceptable. Poll: 88% in favour of a ban |
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