Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response, and the deadline extension is very welcome. I am a dog owner. I have no vested interest because I have a loveable but cowardly collie who does not need any such collar for training.

However, as to the question of whether it is a shock, scientists say that this is more like a pulse. I think the Minister is conceding the principle if he is not proposing to ban the perimeter fence restriction, which is the same level of minor shock of approximately 5 mJ. It is surely the case then that there cannot be an argument for calling this a shock. As I said, I am quoting the University of Lincoln, which describes it as a pulse, stimulus or startle. It also does not have to be continuous. In fact, the dog learns very quickly. Let us remember that we are talking about saving animals’ lives and protecting animal welfare and, therefore, the balance of compassion actually lies on allowing this very low pulse, which is something like the pulse of a bicycle lamp, to be used in training. Calling it a shock, I suspect, is somewhat propagandistic. The Minister is conceding the principle. I got stung many a time by an electric fence at home. There is 3,000 times less of a startle involved in this perimeter fencing, the banning of which is not being proposed. If it is the very same startle that is involved in the context of reputable dog trainers using it, I do not see what the argument can be.

In any event, let the science speak. The Minister is doing so and taking an important first step in extending the consultation period. I also ask that whatever the consultation shows, the Department makes sure that it collates all the scientific evidence. In New Zealand, for example, the Department of Conservation requires the use of these e-collars in training animals. Why? To protect kiwis from being attacked. In Wales there have been three times more dogs killed and four times more attacks since they banned it, compared with areas in the UK. Therefore, there has to be careful thinking about where the compassion and animal welfare lies on this issue.

I thank the Minister for the commitment to extend the consultation period.