Remote-controlled shock collars for cats and dogs to be banned

Minister McConalogue urged owners to keep their dogs under control when they are around sheep and other livestock.

The use of handheld remote-controlled electronic shock collars on cats and dogs are to be banned according to minister for agriculture, food and marine, Charlie McConalogue.

The move comes on the back of a recommendation made to the minister by the Advisory Council on Companion Animal Welfare.

However, the use of shock collars will not be banned outright, according to the minister.

“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," Minister McConalogue said.

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,” he said.

Dog owners who currently use shock collars on their dogs will be able to register for an exemption for their dog with the department.

“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,” he added.

The 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, according to the department.

Minister McConalogue urged dog owners to keep their dogs under control when they are around sheep and other livestock.

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,” he added.

Minister McConalogue cites animal welfare is a “priority” for the government as the annual animal welfare grants programme was launched last week and saw €6m allocated to 101 animal charities in December 2023.