Shock Collars

[Steve]

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/articl...45631_news.html

RSPCA says shock collars cause for concern

Danny Lannen

February 13th, 2010

RSPCA officer Hugh Robinson with an anti-barking collar. Photo: REG RYAN

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GEELONG RSPCA inspectors are concerned uneducated dog owners are ignoring regulations and inflicting too much pain on their pups by using electronic anti-bark collars. Inspector Hugh Robinson said the collars should be used only as a last resort to curb problem barking and only under the supervision of a vet or qualified dog handler.

The collars deliver an electric shock to the dog each time it barks.

Have your say on the feedback form belowMr Robinson spoke out in response to growing RSPCA unease with their use.

Businesses selling the collars also face strict regulations and fines of up to $1000.

"We had an incident where somebody bought a collar not really understanding how it works and not being provided with the relevant information, placed the collar on their dog and the collar went off without the dog barking," Mr Robinson said.

"The dog was quite distressed and in pain."

Mr Robinson said people should only use the collars with sanction and written instructions from a vet or qualified dog trainer.

Dogs have to be over six months old and owners need to have use of the collar reviewed by vets or qualified trainers every 12 months.

"If you're going to use one of these collars it should be an absolute last resort, and last resort means the only other alternative is you have to get rid of the dog," Mr Robinson said.

"I think they're used as a quick fix and I can't say they're cruel because they're legal, but I would discourage the community from using them."

[Kavik]

AFAIK bark collars go off automatically when the dog barks - they are not controlled by the person - so how could the collar go off if the dog was not barking? Unless the collar was faulty?