A new workgroup will be led by the Animal and Veterinary Service ( AVS ) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ).
Comprising dog trainers, veterinarians, pet security groups and representatives from working puppy units, the workgroup will examine the positions on the use of different teaching devices, including surprise and wire collars.
According to AVS on Thursday ( Aug 22 ), it will also create regulations for the use of these devices.
” AVS is committed to approaching the rules of shock collar with careful consideration and thorough planning to ensure that there is a well-informed, powerful, and appropriate regulatory framework, backed by science, put in place”, it said.
Devices used in dog training collection from rewards-based or natural products, such as chirps and clickers, to punishment-based or aversive products like shock collar or wire collars.
Wire collars have teeth or blunted open ends that are turned toward the dog’s neck, while shock collar deliver energy shocks through contact details on the animal’s chest.
“VERY PAINFUL”
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee stated in April that the National Parks Board ( NPS) is developing new guidelines that will not place any restrictions on the use of aversive animal training equipment, including electric shock collars.
NParks did” continue to monitor the situation before deciding if additional measures are necessary,” he said in a written political response following the release of the guidelines.
NParks will continue to look into and take enforcement action in cases where animal training equipment causes unnecessary pain or suffering for animals, as well as raise awareness of the least intrusive, leastly aversive method of animal training.
In response to a question made by MP Louis Ng ( PAP-Nee Soon ) in parliament, Mr. Lee was referring to NParks ‘ new guidelines for a ban on remote electric shock collars. The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES ) was founded by Mr. Ng as well.
In March, Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How said he had tested” a range of electric collars” on himself, describing them as “very painful”.  ,