sent to the Welsh Government
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
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