SPCA Orders Shock Collars Off

The Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has ordered the removal of controversial electronic collars from the necks of ten dogs in the care of the Thames SPCA.

The collars, designed to administer electronic shocks to barking dogs, were reluctantly introduced by Thames SPCA at the request of the Thames Coromandel District Council following complaints over the noise allegedly caused by the animals.

Royal New Zealand SPCA Chief Executive, Peter Blomkamp, says that he instructed Thames SPCA staff to remove the collars today at the recommendation of respected animal health and behaviour experts.

"We have been advised that the collars were proving unduly stressful for the dogs, who have been reduced to whimpering and cowering as a result of this exercise. We certainly regret any inconvenience removal of the collars might cause to local people. However, the welfare of the dogs must be our paramount consideration," he says.

"Although there have been about 30 complaints over a period of 9 months concerning dog noise, our understanding is that most people in the Thames area disapprove of the use of electronic collars in these circumstances. Callers to the radio station Coromandel FM yesterday were unanimously against their use.

"We do not believe this will be a long term issue, as Thames SPCA will be moving to a new site as soon as the move receives council clearance," Mr Blomkamp adds.

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