Government to ban use of remotely-controlled electronic shock collars on dogs and cats

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

The Minister said: “Dogs and cats are much-loved companions for so many of us in Ireland, and the use of manually operated remotely-controlled electronic shock collars is not an appropriate way to treat them. Many organisations and individuals have highlighted the welfare problems these collars can cause. The Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare, which I set up in 2021, has also advised me on this matter and on that advice, I will be introducing a Regulation in the coming months to ban their use.”

Referring to the recent public consultation on this issue, the Minister said:

“While I believe these devices should not be used on dogs or cats for welfare reasons, I have listened carefully to those who have raised their concerns about a ban. I recognise that some of the small number of dog owners, who currently use these shock collars, expressed worry about controlling their dogs if they stop using them. For that reason, I intend to permit those who currently use shock collars on their dogs to continue to do so, but only for those dogs. My officials will set up a process through which the owner can register the dog’s identity with my Department, exempting that dog from the new rules. The ban will then protect puppies and dogs who have not previously had shock collars used on them. In this way, I am balancing the positive animal welfare benefits to dogs and the strong public support for a ban against recognising the worries of the small number of owners who believe they need to continue to use them on their dogs.”

The Minister also acknowledged the concern expressed by farm organisations specifically in relation to dog attacks on sheep saying:

“I want to take this opportunity to again urge all dog owners to always keep their dogs under control if they are anywhere near livestock, especially sheep. I acknowledge the concerns expressed by farm organisations 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 in the Department of Rural and Community Development.”

“This was one of the actions recommended by the Working Group on the Control of Dogs, which I set up 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 should not exercise their dogs on farmland unless they have the clear permission of the farmer. It is a legal requirement that dogs are accompanied and kept under effectual control. For dogs on the list of controlled breeds (or their crosses), they must be kept on a short lead and muzzled while in public places.”

Minister McConalogue continued:

“No dog owner should ever put sheep at risk by acting irresponsibly or by exercising their dog off the lead in such a way that they cause stress and fear, even if the sheep are not physically attacked I say to dog owners: keep your dogs on a lead at all times if there are sheep nearby.”

“Earlier this month, I, together with my colleague, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D, launched a major national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. The campaign is entitled, ‘It’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours’ is aimed at increasing awareness of the harm that out-of-control dogs can do to people and to livestock. The goal is to change behaviour and to remind owners that they must always have their dog under control.”

Highlighting the importance of animal welfare, the Minister concluded:

“Animal welfare is a priority for me and for the Government. Last week I launched my Department’s annual animal welfare grants programme, through which I provided €6m to 101 animal charities in December 2023. Last September, I introduced new, strengthened laws to end the cruel practice of ear-cropping in dogs. I want to emphasise again the importance of responsible pet ownership and recognise the efforts of all those working to protect animal welfare across Ireland.”

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