McConalogue to ban use of remote-controlled electronic shock collars

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has announced his decision to ban the use of electronic shock collars operated by hand-held remote controls on dogs and cats.

The proposed rule would prohibit the use of electronic shock collars operated by a handheld remote control on dogs and cats. The regulation will allow those who currently use these shock collars on their dogs to register with the ministry, provide the dog’s microchip identification and license number, and continue to use the collars for any period of time. this dog’s life.

This registration process must be completed within 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. These points of address were raised during the public consultation.

The Donegal Minister said: “Dogs and cats are much-loved companions for many of us in Ireland, and the use of hand-operated and remote-controlled e-collars is not an appropriate way to treat them. Many organizations and individuals have highlighted the wellness issues these collars can cause. The Companion Animal Welfare Advisory Council, which I established in 2021, has also advised me on this and based on this advice I will present a regulation banning their use in the coming months.

Referring to the recent public consultation on this issue, Minister McConalogue said: “While I believe these devices should not be used on dogs or cats for welfare reasons, I have listened carefully to those who raised concerns about a ban. I recognize that some of the few dog owners who currently use these shock collars have expressed concern about controlling their dogs if they stop using them.

“For this reason, I intend to allow those who currently use shock collars on their dogs to continue to do so, but only for those dogs. My officials will put in place a process by which the owner can register the dog’s identity with my department, thereby exempting that dog from the new rules.

“The ban will then protect puppies and dogs who have never been used with a shock collar. In this way, I balance the positive animal welfare benefits for dogs with the strong public support for a ban, without recognizing the concerns of the small number of owners who feel they should continue to keep them. use on their dogs.

The minister also recognized the concern expressed by agricultural organizations particularly regarding dog attacks on sheep.

“I want to take this opportunity to again urge all dog owners to always keep their dogs under control if they are near livestock, particularly sheep. I recognize the concerns raised by farming organizations about dog attacks on sheep and the devastation this can cause.

“This is one of the reasons why my Department recently published an updated guidance leaflet on responsible dog ownership, as part of a joint initiative with Minister Humphrey’s officials at the Department of Rural Development and community,” he said.

“This was one of the actions recommended by the Dog Control Taskforce, which I established in early 2023 at the request of the then Taoiseach, in response to growing concerns about dog attacks on people and livestock. Dog owners must act responsibly in the countryside and must not exercise their dogs on agricultural land without the express permission of the farmer. The law requires that dogs be accompanied and kept under effective control. For dogs registered on the list of controlled breeds (or their crosses), they must be kept on a short leash and muzzled in public places. No dog owner should ever put their sheep in danger by acting irresponsibly or exercising their dog off-leash in a way that causes stress and fear, even if the sheep are not physically attacked. I say to dog owners: keep your dogs on a leash at all times if there are sheep nearby.

“Earlier this month, along with my colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, I launched a major national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. The campaign titled ‘It’s Not Your Dog’s Fault, It’s Yours’ aims to increase awareness of the harm that uncontrollable dogs can cause to people and livestock. The goal is to change behavior and remind owners that they must always keep their dog under control. »

Highlighting the importance of animal welfare, he commented: “Animal welfare is a priority for me and for the government. Last week I launched my department’s annual Animal Welfare Grants scheme, which saw me disbursing €6 million to 101 animal charities in December 2023. Last September, I have introduced new, tougher laws to end the cruel practice of cropping dogs’ ears. I would like to once again highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and recognize the efforts of all those working to protect animal welfare across Ireland.

This proposal only concerns the use of electronic shock collars operated by hand-held remote controls. It does not apply to anti-bark collars or collars linked to boundary fences or offset fences to control other animals.