Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Mullen for submitting the Commencement matter this morning. I have no problem extending the date. We want to receive submissions on the matter and we want to be open. It is not particularly time-sensitive but is something we want to conclude in a timely fashion. I will ask the officials to ensure it is widely advertised. I certainly want people to be aware of it and today's debate will help ensure people are aware of it. I will give extra time and ensure it is prominently highlighted. We want to ensure people get the opportunity to participate in this and give their views on this important issue.

The consultation relates to the use of electronic shock collars for the purpose of training. It does not relate to enclosing animals in a garden or anti-bark measures. The consultation on this will be important. The Senator spoke about research that indicated that electronic shock collars are an effective way of training. I have no doubt that they are. If we were to put a collar on a person and shock them every time we wanted to deliver a message, it would be a pretty effective way of getting their attention and getting a result, but it would be very cruel.If you are to put a collar on a dog and shock it every time you want to get its attention or get a desired outcome, it might be effective but it is cruel too.

Regarding the consultation, we will get everybody’s views on this and consult broadly. I want to be clear that we are not talking about boundaries around gardens whereby it keeps a dog or animal safe and the animal stays away from it or in anti-bark cases with animals living in a community, rather, it is related to a shock collar for the purposes of training. That is what the consultation is about.

Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, a person is prohibited from causing unnecessary pain or suffering or endangering the health and welfare of any animal. The Act also provides that a person having possession of an animal must ensure that the animal is kept in a manner that safeguards its health and welfare. All legislation under the remit of my Department is kept under constant review, including legislation to ensure the health and welfare of canines.

We have seen in recent times significant changes at European level in respect of remotely controlled electronic shock collars in dogs and cats. We have seen them banned in a number of countries, including, for example, the Netherlands, Austria, German and Wales, while proposed bans in France and England are currently undergoing the relevant legislative processes and considerations. We have also recently seen that the Scottish Government published guidance advising against the use of these collars. In addition, the European Commission has recently published a draft proposal for a regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability that includes a provision that would prohibit using these collars to expose dogs and cats to an electric current in pet stores, shelters and breeding establishments within the EU.

Everybody is encouraged to contribute to the consultation. The email address for submissions is animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie. The deadline was to be 26 January but I will extend it by two or three weeks. I will talk to the team. We want people to engage and give their views on this. I urge those with an interest in this to take part in the consultation, and myself as Minister, working with my team, will fully reflect on those for the way forward.