The Government has announced plans to ban the use of electric shock training collars

The RSPCA has long campaigned for the devices to be banned- they've always said they trigger fear and pain in pets.

Defra announced proposals to ban the use of the devices this morning.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “We’re delighted that the Government has listened to the concerns raised by us and other animal welfare organisations and has launched a consultation to ban the use of electric shock collars in England.

“These cruel collars have been illegal in Wales since 2010 and the RSPCA has long been calling for them to be outlawed in England too.

“Electric shock collars used to train and control cats and dogs are not only unacceptable as they can cause pain and fear, they are also unnecessary for long term behavioural change.

“A survey carried out for the RSPCA’s #DogKind report found that while 88% of dog owners agreed that training shouldn’t frighten, worry or hurt dogs, a worrying 5% said they used electric shock collars.

“We hope that this move will consign electric shock collars to the history books as they have no place in modern day pet ownership.”

A consultation into the collars has now been opened by Defra and will close on April 20.