THE RSPCA AND E-COLLARS – SCIENCE VERSUS POLITICS

For many years, the RSPCA has had a policy which opposes them to any aversive stimulus from which the animal cannot move away or avoid. Given this, it would appear that they would have no objection to fence/containment systems and bark control collars which in essence the animal controls itself. Indeed, as the remote trainers are used for shaping behaviour by encouraging rather than punishing, the dog can learn very quickly how to avoid the low level electrical stimulation of the modern electronic training collar.

In February 2009 we arranged a meeting with Mark Evans, the chief veterinary adviser to the RSPCA, and his deputy who is responsible for scientific advice. We had also discussed arranging a site visit to a very experienced trainer to demonstrate the use of e-collars. Less than 24 hours before the meeting which had been agreed upon for many weeks, we received an email from the (political) Director of the RSPCA, canceling the meeting with no real explanation.

This indicated to t.COG^® that the RSPCA overlooks science where e-collars are concerned and has adopted a political, animal rights approach rather than an animal welfare approach to the matter.