Cat owners struggling to contain their pet cats have been
known to turn to shock collars for cats. These types of cat shock collars and
electric collars have been available in the UK but just because they’re sold doesn’t
mean they are a good option. In fact, the UK government announced in July 2018
that shock collars for both dogs and cats will be banned in England. Wales and
Scotland had already put motions in place to stop the use of cruel electric
collars being used on pets.
Shock collars and electric collars cause levels of suffering
and harm that are not acceptable. The collars can deliver a maximum of 6,000
volts of electricity and other types of collars may spray chemicals in a bid to
control the behaviour of the cat. The shock may be delivered for up to 11
seconds at a time and all can have negative effects on the well-being of the cat
or dog.
Animal campaigners supported the ban, although the RSPCA
would like to see it extended to cruel electric fences used for pet
containment. A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said that these kinds of devices are
not necessary as there are viable and human alternatives for containing cats
and dogs. Turning to positive training
and pain free methods are safe and effective.
Pet Friendly Alternatives to Shock Collars and Electric Collars
Shock collars are cruel and unnecessary. Cats can be
protected from road accidents and other incidents with the use of cat friendly
cat fencing and alternative solutions. ProtectaPet cat fences, catios and cat enclosures
are designed not to need electricity to work. Cats are contained in a safe environment
using the patented designed, preventing them from escaping the area and getting
into harms way.
Cat shock collars are never acceptable. The Dogs Trust and animal
campaigners are delighted about the ban on such devices in England. However,
the hard work doesn’t stop there. More work is needed to extend the ban to
electric fences used for cats and dog containment.
