441-00510 (Animals)

We the undersigned residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:

Whereas

Shock collars (e-collars) used to train and manage pets can cause them severe pain, suffering, distress and inhibit their ability to learn. The abundance of independent scientific studies, the evidence and opinions of credentialed animal experts and organizations and the legitimate concern of the public collectively necessitates that our government protect our pets from the physical and psychological harm these devices can cause. Not only does the science prove electronic/shock collars can lead to further behavioural issues including aggression, endangering both pets and society at large, they are completely unnecessary. Science based training methods that employ proven learning theory are effective, humane, safe, readily available, and do not negatively compromise the health and welfare of our pets.

It is illegal to use electronic/shock collars on our children and the same should be true for our pets.

Therefore your petitioners call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to amend the Federal Criminal Code (cruelty to animals) legislation to specifically include wording that bans the sale and use of electronic/shock collars for use on domestic pets, as a growing number of countries and enlightened jurisdictions have done. We ask that the legislation include hand held remote controlled shock devices, anti-bark shock collars and electronic containment fences for domestic pets.