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Rules on electronic training aids ‘must be robust’
Dogs Trust said it does not condone the use of equipment or techniques that use pain or fear to train dogs.

Dogs Trust meets MSPs to discuss concerns over regulations

Proposals to regulate the use of electronic training aids in Scotland may not be robust enough to protect dog welfare, the Dogs Trust has said.

The Scottish government intends to regulate the use of remote control training collars, anti-bark collars and pet containment fences, so that they can only be used under the guidance of an approved trainer or veterinary surgeon. The decision was made following a consultation in 2015.

Representatives from the Dogs Trust recently met MSPs, urging them to back their appeal for approved trainers and vets to have adequate training in animal behaviour.

The charity said it does not condone the use of equipment or techniques that use pain or fear to train dogs, and has previously called for the devices to be banned.

Head of public affairs Claire Calder said: “In the absence of an outright ban we strongly urge strict regulations be imposed to minimise the risk of misuse of such equipment. Recent research by Defra has concluded that the routine use of electronic training collars, even in accordance with ‘best-practice’ presents a risk to the well-being of pet dogs.

“We are calling on MSPs to back our appeal for approved trainers and vets to have appropriate training in animal behaviour, as set out in the Animal Behaviour Training Council’s Standard for an Animal Trainer, as we have strong concerns that the suggested Regulations will not be robust enough to protect dog welfare.

"There is currently no regulation of animal trainers in Scotland, and veterinary training includes relatively little detailed information about animal behaviour.”

MSP David Stewart said he “fully support[s]” the charity’s call for action on electronic training collars and pledged to work with them to ensure dog welfare is protected.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.