“Barbaric” electric shock training collars that blast cats and dogs with up to 6000 volts are still on sale – almost two years after the Government vowed to ban them.
Our sister paper the Sunday Mirror found dozens of the devices – which deliver shocks for up to 11 seconds at a time – on eBay, Wish.com and specialist dog sites.
They have been illegal in Wales since 2010 but are still on sale in Scotland and England despite a promise in August 2018 to outlaw them.
Then-environment secretary Michael Gove said the e-collars caused unacceptable “suffering”.
PM Boris Johnson, who co-owns Jack Russell-cross Dilyn with partner Carrie Symonds, has previously likened the use of the collars to caning a child.
Rita James, of campaign group CAGED Nationwide, said: “We would like to urge the PM, as a fellow dog lover, to bring legislation to outlaw electric shock collars – we believe them to be barbaric.”
Animal charities have condemned politicians for “breaking their promise”.
Dr Jenna Kiddie, of Dogs Trust, said: “It’s unnecessary and cruel to use these collars.
“Positive methods, using rewards, are the kindest way to train your dog.”
But Ian Gregory, an adviser to the pet training sector, said: “Regulation, not a ban, is the answer.”
A Government spokesman said: “We’re committed to banning electric training collars and will put it into law in due course.”
An eBay spokesman said: “These items are banned from eBay’s platform. We are removing the items.”
