RSPCA Cymru
6 Cae Gwyrdd
Tongwynlais
Cardiff
CF15 7AB
Kennel Club
1-5 Clarges Street
Piccadilly
London
W1J 8AB
Blue Cross
Shilton Rd
Burford
Oxfordshire
OX18 4PF
Battersea Dogs &
Cats Home
4 Battersea Park Rd
London
SW8 4AA
Rebecca Evans AM
Deputy Minister for Farming and Food
Welsh Government
Fifth Floor, Ty Hywel
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff
CF99 1NA
20 March 2015
Dear Rebecca Evans AM,
Re: Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010
The prohibition on the use of electronic collars on dogs and cats in Wales was a pivotal
moment for animal welfare; and one which delivered a clear message concerning the
treatment of companion animals in this country. March 24th marks the fifth anniversary of
the landmark Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 coming into
force - a cause for celebration for organisations interested in dog welfare.
It should be considered a source of great pride both for the Welsh Government, and
National Assembly for Wales, that Wales became the first UK nation to introduce a ban on
such devices. They demonstrate a highly aversive form of training, and can cause dogs and
cats to exhibit behaviours associated with pain, fear and stress, so it is very much hoped
other UK nations will follow the example set in Wales.
Unfortunately, we are - collectively - growing increasingly concerned regarding a campaign
seeking to water down existing legislation. The focus of such a campaign, primarily, has
been on the legislative ban's scope, namely its inclusion of electronic perimeter fencing.
RSPCA Cymru has previously highlighted at length, including through a Scientific Paper
made available to the National Assembly for Wales' Petitions Committee, the considerable
consequences of relaxing the current legislative ban.
We understand officials are in liaison currently with the Wales Animal Health & Welfare
Framework Group, in relation to a review of whether the legislation is meeting its policy
intent and still appropriate from a veterinary and scientific aspect. It is our view, based on
existing evidence, that any change to the law would not be in the interests of the welfare of
Wales' dogs and cats, and be unpopular with the general public.
It is imperative that the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 are
not amended in any way which impinges upon the welfare of animals. To this end, the
Welsh Government's assertion, made in February 2013, that no significant proposals had
been brought forward to suggest changes to the legislation were warranted, was welcome.
By implementing a ban on the use of electronic collar for dogs and cats, Wales delivered a
significant statement of intent in relation to animal welfare, ensuring legislation reflects
important social norms and values. As we mark the five-year anniversary of the legislation,
we urge the Welsh Government to continue to stand up for dogs and cats in Wales and
ensure a complete ban on these dangerous devices is retained.
Yours sincerely,
Claire Lawson
RSPCA Cymru
Head of External Affairs
Caroline Kisko
Kennel Club
Secretary
Steve Goody
Deputy Chief Executive
Blue Cross
Michael Webb
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Public Affairs Manager
CC: Wales Animal Health & Welfare Framework Group