Minister Charlie McConalogue has announced his decision to ban the use of remote-controlled electronic shock collars for dogs and cats.
The Minister for Agriculture said the use of manually operated remotely-controlled electronic shock collars is not an appropriate way to treat “much-loved companions”.
Regulation on the ban is set to be introduced “in the coming months”. Anti-bark collars or collars linked to boundary fences or remote fencing to control other animals are not affected by the ban.
Those who currently using shock collars on their dogs will be required to register with the Department, provide the dog’s microchip ID and dog licence number, and continue to use the collars for the lifetime of that dog.
The Regulation will also provide for exemptions allowing the use of these devices in deaf dogs.
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.”
