Appeal after claims shock collar used on dog outside hospital

Dog owners have been reminded that electric shock collars are "dangerous" and "illegal" in Wales, after RSPCA Cymru received reports of a dog walker using a device in the grounds of the Grange University Hospital.

The animal welfare charity was alerted after a member of the public reported seeing an electric collar used numerous times on a young dog outside the Cwmbran hospital on 21 June.

Anyone with information about the alleged incident, or similar events, has been urged to contact the RSPCA's inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Shock collars have been illegal to use on dogs and cats in Wales for more than a decade, under the Animal Welfare (Electronic Collars) (Wales) Regulations 2010 - in what was a legislative first in Great Britain.

Electric shock collars are used to train or control dogs and cats and are based on applying pain or fear to stop unwanted behaviour.

The RSPCA previously teamed-up with a host of other organisations - including Blue Cross, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and the Kennel Club - to emphasise the importance of the legislation and to urge the Welsh Government to resist any attempts to water it down.

Scientific studies have shown that the use of electric collars can compromise welfare and may make behavioural problems even worse.

RSPCA inspector Simon Evans said: "We're concerned to have received reports of a dangerous and illegal shock collar being used on a dog in the grounds of the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran.

"We'd urge anyone with information about this alleged incident on 21 June; or any other such uses of these collars in the area, to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

"Shock collars are dangerous, illegal and cruel. They've been outlawed in Wales for more than 11 years, but sadly it seems some dog owners are still not getting the message."