The Kennel Club Board has recently approved amendments, originating from a recommendation made by the Working Trials Liaison Council, to the Welfare of Dogs regulations, which will prohibit the use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars and prong collars at any agility, obedience, working trials, heelwork to music, rally and canicross licensed events governed by the Kennel Club Activities Committee.
The regulation changes will come into effect on 1st January 2018.
The Kennel Club is currently campaigning for a ban on electronic shock collars to be introduced in Scotland, and a campaign for similar legislation in England is planned. Legislation was introduced in Wales in 2010.
Additionally, it is recommended that clubs may wish to include provision regarding the use of such techniques or devices within their own regulations.
The regulation changes are as follows:
Canicross
Regulation E1. Welfare of Dogs
TO:
An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the Board for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. The use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars, or prong collars, is not permitted at any Canicross event licensed by the Kennel Club. This shall apply at the venue or within the precincts of the competition.
(Insertion underlined.)
Obedience
Regulation G2. Welfare of Dogs
TO:
An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the Board for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. The use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars, or prong collars, is not permitted at any Obedience show licensed by the Kennel Club. This shall apply at the venue or within the precincts of the show.
(Insertion underlined.)
Agility
Regulation H3. Welfare of Dogs
TO:
An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the Board for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. The use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars, or prong collars, is not permitted at any Agility show licensed by the Kennel Club. This shall apply at the venue or within the precincts of the show.
(Insertion underlined.)
Working Trials
Regulation I2. Welfare of Dogs
TO:
An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the Board for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. The use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars, or prong collars, is not permitted at any Working Trials event licensed by the Kennel Club. This shall apply at the venue or within the precincts of the Trial.
(Insertion underlined.)
Heelwork to Music
Regulation L1. Welfare of Dogs
TO:
An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the Board for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. The use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars, or prong collars, is not permitted at any Heelwork to Music event licensed by the Kennel Club. This shall apply at the venue or within the precincts of the competition.
(Insertion underlined.)
Rally
Regulation S1. Welfare of Dogs
TO:
An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the Board for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations. The use of pinch collars, electronic shock collars, or prong collars, is not permitted at any Rally event licensed by the Kennel Club. This shall apply at the venue or within the precincts of the competition.
(Insertion underlined.)