Minister Charlie McConalogue has announced a three week extension to the public consultation on the proposed ban on dogs and cats of electronic shock collars.
The use of collars operated by hand-held remote controls on dogs and cats has been banned in several European countries on the grounds of animal welfare.
The question of whether their use on dogs and cats in Ireland ought to be banned is under consideration by the Advisory Council for Companion Animal Welfare, which advises the Minister on such matters.
This consultation relates only to the use on dogs and cats of electronic shock collars which are operated by a hand-held remote control.
It does not relate to the use of collars which are part of a fencing/containment system to prevent straying or to anti-bark collars.
Submissions may be submitted by email to animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.
