Animal Welfare Bill

As I have already stated, I have been involved in the training of spaniels and Labradors for many years, but I confess that I have never, as yet, resorted to an electric collar, although I know people that do—but only as matter of last resort. When I originally read the noble Baroness’s amendment, I opposed it wholeheartedly; but having listened carefully to what she said, I realise that it is not quite as dogmatic—if I may use that term—as it appears to be on the Marshalled List. It is difficult for me to accept the Kennel Club’s argument that such methods are innately cruel, or that what it describes as the ““reward system”” will inevitably lead to all dogs abiding by the reasonable wishes of an owner. If only that was the case. However, I do agree with the Kennel Club’s statement that the marketing of such dog collars can easily convince people that they are a fast cure to all problems. Clearly they are not, and they should be used only judiciously. However, as my noble friend Lord Inglewood rightly pointed out, electric collars that are used properly can enhance the life of the dog, because it becomes less of a problem, more acceptable to its owner and a happier relationship evolves as a result. Like children, dogs will develop unacceptable habits from time to time and occasionally will require an extra force of discipline. I am not suggesting that we should put electric collars on children, but, having seen these mechanisms in use, I am convinced that they are well within the reasonable standard of acceptable animal welfare. Last weekend, I visited a well known and respected gun dog trainer who lives near my home. He possesses a particularly good young cocker spaniel, but the drawback was its incessant barking at night. It disturbed everyone, including the trainer, and the neighbours were not too appreciative of that. He told me that he had resorted to using an electric collar, which had done the trick. I saw the dog, which was full of the joys of spring and clearly adored his master. In no way could he be described as cowed. For me that was a clear example of how the judicious use of an electric collar can be very effective. Inevitably, over the course of the Bill, scientific evidence will be cited time and again, although I suppose it will depend on which side of the argument you want to be. But as the Minister, Ben Bradshaw, has stated, there is no evidence to substantiate claims that such mechanisms are harmful. If that is the case, we need to be careful about the route we take on this subject. I shall finish by saying that I understand the points made by the noble Baroness, Lady Miller, and perhaps it is necessary to look at the mechanism of these collars to see whether they may need to be moderated. I am happy to enter into that debate, but as a matter of principle, I think that they are a clear advantage to dog training, resulting in a happier relationship between the dog and its master.