ManxSPCA to petition against electric collars 

DEFA 'aware of significant welfare concerns' around use of devices

The ManxSPCA has been campaigning against the use of electric animal collars on the Isle of Man by - quite literally - shocking people. 

During the Royal and Southern Show, 36 people volunteered to hold one of these devices while the level increased. 

Meanwhile, a consultation by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture last year found that the majority of respondents were in favour of keeping these collars legal to use. 

Krysia Boruch from the ManxSPCA told Chanelle Sukhoo they will soon be petitioning against them:

Anita Williams is the founder of Animals in Distress IOM - which helps rehome animals and support pet owners facing financial difficulties. 

Anita told Manx Radio that she will be fully supporting the petition: 

In response, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says it can confirm that the use of electronic training collars on dogs and cats is currently legal in the Isle of Man. However, the Department is aware of significant welfare concerns associated with their use.

The matter was subject to public consultation in May 2024. The responses and Department commentary are published online here: Consultation responses. As noted in the post-consultation commentary, which said:

“The Department is grateful to those individuals and organisations who took time to respond to the consultation and tell us their views. There were a significant number of responses that appear to be from outside of the Isle of Man borders. The Department is aware that there are significant concerns about the use of electronic collars in dogs and cats and will do further work to explore this area further.”

The Animal Welfare Act 2023, in force from 1 June 2024, requires owners and keepers to meet the needs of their animals according to good practice. This includes ensuring animals can express normal behaviour and are protected from pain, suffering, injury, and disease.

DEFA has published practical guidance on dog and cat welfare, which notes that:

“Training that includes unpleasant (aversive) stimuli or physical punishment may cause unacceptable pain, suffering and distress. For example, the use of electronic shock (static pulse) collars, anti-bark collars, or any device that emits an aversive stimulus. These techniques compromise dog welfare and may worsen behavioural issues.”

The Department continues to work on secondary legislation under the Animal Welfare Act and is preparing a public consultation on the licensing of animal activities, which will consider welfare issues further.