‘CRUEL’ DOG COLLARS TO BE BANNED IN QUEENSLAND
Source: News.com (Extract)
Posted: May 9, 2022
“Cruel” collars designed to punish dogs by applying pressure on their necks are set to be banned in one state.
Pronged collars designed to punish dogs are set to be banned in Queensland as part of a wider crackdown on animal cruelty.
The announcement was made by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Sunday who said the devices were not in line with most Queenslanders’ view of appropriate animal discipline.
“We know the majority of Queenslanders support tougher penalties and regulations against cruelty to animals,” she wrote on Facebook.
“That’s why this week we’ll be debating animal welfare laws in the Queensland parliament – an issue close to the hearts of so many Queenslanders.”
It is already illegal to import pronged collars to Australia and the devices have been banned in Victoria since 2008.
The collars are made of metal and designed to tighten around a dog’s neck when pressure is applied.
RSPCA said the collars are used “inflicting pain as punishment” on pets and pinch their skin when pulled at.
“Unfortunately, some dog trainers recommend these collars, even though more humane training methods are available,” RSPCA website reads.
“(This includes) reward-based training, which has also been shown to be more effective than aversive methods.”
The move to ban was partially triggered by a review conducted by the Palaszczuk Government in early 2020 and attracted thousands of community responses.
Recommendations from the review will be debated in parliament this week.
