AM welcomes "no exemptions" pledge on electric shock training devices

Wrexham's Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, has welcomed news that the Welsh Assembly Government is to remove any exemptions from draft regulations it is preparing to ban the use of electronic shock devices used to train dogs and cats.

The news comes after lobbying of the Government by Assembly Members, including Lesley, and the Kennel Club, to remove veterinary exemptions from the draft legislation. This means that the eventual legislation can be enforced more effectively, therefore, strengthening the ban.

The announcement comes following extensive public consultation conducted by the Kennel Club, which showed that 57% of respondents favoured a complete ban on electric shock training devices.

The findings were supported by a recent YouGov survey conducted on behalf of the Kennel Club which demonstrated that 70% of those polled disapproved of the use of electric shock collars on dogs.

The results also concluded that 60% of respondents agreed the use of electric shock collars had a negative effect on the dog’s physical and psychological health and welfare.

The Welsh Assembly Government say the process of amending the legislation is expected to take approximately three months, meaning legislation could be introduced early in 2010.

Lesley Griffiths, who as an Assembly Member will be involved in passing the final regulations in the Senedd, said:

"I am pleased that the Welsh Assembly Government has listened to the concerns of AMs about the scope of the draft regulations.

"There is widespread determination amongst the public - which is shared by Assembly Members like myself - to make sure Wales bans these cruel devices as soon as possible.

"The banning of of shock collars in Wales, would send a clear signal that we will not tolerate this cruel and uneccessary form of training any longer."