Calls Grow for Ban on Shock Collars Following New Poll in UK

Fresh calls for a nationwide ban on electric shock collars have emerged after new polling revealed strong public support across England and Scotland for tougher action against the devices.

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has urged ministers to introduce a complete ban on both the sale and use of electric shock collars, arguing that the devices are harmful, outdated and unnecessary in modern dog training. The appeal follows newly commissioned research which suggests a significant majority of the public now backs stricter legislation.

The survey, carried out by polling company YouGov earlier this month, gathered responses from more than 2,000 people. According to the findings, 85 per cent of participants described the use of electric shock collars as “unacceptable”. Support for a full ban was also notably high, with 66 per cent of respondents in England favouring the measure. In Scotland, support rose even further, reaching 75 and 76 per cent respectively.

The findings have reignited debate around animal welfare standards and whether current laws go far enough to protect pets from potentially harmful training methods. While Wales banned the use of electric shock collars back in 2010, the devices remain legal in both England and Scotland, despite growing criticism from charities, trainers and veterinary professionals.

Dogs Trust has been particularly vocal in its campaign, warning that the collars can cause lasting psychological harm to animals. The charity recently highlighted the case of Stella, a rehomed Beagle cross, whose behavioural difficulties are believed to stem from previous exposure to electric shock collar training. According to the organisation, Stella continues to display signs of anxiety and distress long after the devices were used on her.

Hannah Harris, Behaviour Policy Manager at Dogs Trust, said research consistently demonstrates that electric shock collars negatively affect animal welfare and may actually worsen behavioural problems rather than solve them.

She argued that there is “no place or need” for what she described as cruel devices in responsible pet ownership today. Instead, animal welfare groups advocate positive reinforcement training methods, which focus on rewards and consistency rather than punishment.

The debate surrounding shock collars often centres on livestock worrying, particularly in rural communities where uncontrolled dogs can pose risks to sheep and other farm animals. Supporters of the collars sometimes claim they are an effective deterrent. However, Dogs Trust pointed to police data suggesting that the majority of livestock worrying incidents involve dogs whose owners are not present at the time, raising questions about how effective the collars truly are in preventing attacks.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has already signalled that the issue remains under consideration. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, commonly known as Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pledged to consult on a potential ban during the current parliamentary term as part of its wider Animal Welfare Strategy published last December.

With public opinion increasingly shifting against shock collars, campaigners now hope ministers will move beyond consultation and introduce legislation that brings England and Scotland in line with Wales.