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Scotland to regulate electric shock collars
Proposed new regulations would include a qualification for dog trainers who wish to continue using the devices.
Kennel Club disappointed over lack of a ban 

The sale and use of electronic training devices for dogs is set to be regulated in Scotland, the government has confirmed.

Proposed new regulations would include a qualification for dog trainers who wish to continue using the devices.

Responding to the news, the Kennel Club expressed disappointment that electric shock collars would not be banned, despite a large amount of scientific evidence to suggest they have long term negative effects on dog welfare.

An event at Scottish Parliament last week (8 November) brought together animal welfare and veterinary organisations, dog trainers, behaviourists and MSPs.

One attendee suggested that shock collars could be used by owners who were struggling to cope with their dog as a result of choosing an unsuitable breed, but are unwilling to commit to more positive training methods.

The Kennel Club argues that allowing the use of shock collars for this reason contradicts the advice of veterinary and animal welfare organisations, who advise prospective dog owners to research different dog breeds thoroughly.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said she has “grave concerns” that supporting a formal training qualification could legitimise the use of shock collars. Gaining the qualification may even be viewed as an “aspirational target” for dog trainers.

She added: “The Kennel Club also questions whether developing a qualification for fewer than a hundred dog trainers is an appropriate use of resources and tax payers’ money when the government could instead develop a qualification in positive training methods suitable for all dog trainers, the vast majority of whom would never use an electric shock collar.”

However, the Scottish Government argues that regulating the use of such devices in severe cases could help to prevent pets being euthanised on behavioural grounds.

A spokesperson said: “We believe the use of electronic training aids should be strictly limited and controlled. That’s why we will introduce new regulations, which will ensure these devices are subject to much tighter restrictions than in England.
 
“The Scottish Government is working with trainers to develop a recognised qualification for those who wish to continue using stimulus collars in a controlled and responsible way. This approach will help prevent the euthanasia of dogs with serious behavioural problems, which may not respond to other forms of training.”

Electric shock collars are currently legal in England and Northern Ireland. The collars were banned in Wales in 2010 and the ban was upheld following a recent review.

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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.