Ban on electric shock devices for dogs
Electricity shocks, e.g. from an electronic collar, administered to dogs can lead to fear, stress, aggression, phobia and permanent damage to the relationship of trust between owner and dog. As the welfare of dogs is paramount, the use of all devices that can deliver electric shocks to dogs is prohibited. On 11 December 2020, Minister Schouten of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality submitted the Decree setting out this ban to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine previously authored an article for the Tijdschrift voor Dierengeneeskunde (Netherlands Journal of Veterinary Science) on the negative effects of electronic collars on the welfare of dogs and on positive training methods as an alternative.
The collar has been shown to affect a dog's welfare and may even have a negative impact on the relationship with the owner. Training without aversive means, such as electric shocks, can lead to better performance, improved welfare, fewer behavioural problems, a better human-animal relationship and improved obedience.
Find out more about the behavioural and physical consequences of electronic collar use and about alternatives in the article in the Netherlands Journal of Veterinary Science: /en/news/the-negative-effects-of-the-electronic-collar-on-the-welfare-of-dogs-and-positive-training-methods