In the same year a bill to ban the manufacture, sale or use of such equipment was introduced by David Rendel MP, with full support of the Kennel Club and other industry organisations, but was opposed by Government. There followed a joint presentation by David Rendel and the Kennel Club to the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare in April 2002 at the House of Commons.

In 2003 David Rendel was able to reintroduce his Bill, this time referring to all animals rather than just dogs, for Parliamentary consideration. Unfortunately the Animals (Electric Shock) Collars Bill ran out of Parliamentary time.

In light of the failure to get this Bill through Parliament, the Kennel Club decided to launch a campaign last year to see the product banned as part of the proposed Animal Welfare Bill. The Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has said that they require scientific evidence that proves ‘cruelty’ to support a ban, therefore the KC is in the process of inviting written evidence to then present to DEFRA.

The collar trains the dog to respond out of fear of further punishment - having received a 'static shock' when it does not perform what is asked of it - rather than from a natural willingness to obey. This is not the type of training method that the Kennel Club would endorse. Unwanted behaviour in dogs is best discouraged by positive training methods.

Furthermore, an angry or inferior trainer or even novice owner could misuse a collar to abuse and punish. It is unacceptable that these products are readily available by mail order, via retail outlets and on the internet, and therefore available to anyone who, with no training or supervision whatsoever, can place them on a dog and administer 'correctional' treatment.

A public relations campaign is being planned, as the Kennel Club feels that the product has no place in a civilised society and the majority of both dogdom, and the industry, has similar views.