The use of electronic training collars on dogs and cats

Overview

This consultation is seeking views on whether the Isle of Man Government should ban or regulate the use of electronic training collars for dogs and cats. Any ban or regulation would involve introducing secondary legislation made under the Animal Welfare Bill 2023 if this gains Royal Assent.

The consultation covers the use of electronic training devices for cats and dogs. It includes remote control training collars, anti-bark collars and pet containment fences (also known as electric boundary or freedom fences) using either a static electric pulse, sound, vibration or water or citronella spray. Please note it does not include collars which allow tracking of your pet or allows them to enter cat flaps etc. e.g. via a magnetic collar.

Background

There are generally two types of e-collar: hand held remote-controlled devices and containment systems. Remote-controlled devices are operated by the owner/handler and are used to stop unwanted behaviour such as running off when out on a walk or aggression towards other dogs. The owner or handler has a remote device which can trigger an electronic pulse (similar to a static pulse which can be varied in strength) or which can emit a noxious spray. Depending on the type of e-collar, a sound may be emitted which warns the pet that an electronic pulse or noxious spray is about to be triggered, allowing the pet to stop whatever it is about to do before the pulse or spray is generated.

Containment systems can be used to keep a dog or cat within the owner’s garden reducing the chances of the animal straying into a busy road or defecating on someone else’s property. In such situations the e-collar sends out an electronic pulse or a noxious spray when the animal approaches the boundary. A noise/vibration may also be emitted prior to the pulse or spray.

In 2010 the Welsh Government banned electronic training collars which deliver an electric shock to the cat or dog, including those used in containment systems, and anti-bark collars. The UK Government has drafted legislation (which is due to come into force 1 February 2024) which makes it an offence for a person who is responsible for a cat or dog to attach an electronic collar to the cat or dog in England (or cause an electronic collar to be attached to the cat or dog). It will also make it an offence in England for a person who is responsible for a cat or dog that is wearing an electronic collar to be in possession of a remote-control device which is designed or adapted for activating the collar. 'Electronic collar' (in the proposed English legislation) means a collar with an integrated electronic device that may be activated and directly controlled by a person by means of a remote-control device so as to send an electric current from the collar to the cat or dog that is wearing the collar. Consequently, electronic training collars which do not deliver an electric shock, anti-bark collars, and containment systems will remain legal for cats and dogs in England. Electronic training collars that emit sound, vibration or some other non-shock signals are also not prohibited under the English legislation.

Why your views matter

The Isle of Man Government is thus seeking opinion from stakeholders, interested parties and the general public on their views around the use of electronic collars on dogs and cats on the Isle of Man. The views will then be taken into account by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture when consideration is given to the need to introduce secondary legislation to regulate this area.

Please contact us if you require a paper copy of the consultation.