Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (the Act) permits the use of electric (shock collars) that cause injury and pain to dogs. These collars deliver regular electric shocks with capacity to increase intensity. They rely on painful punishment and negative reinforcement to control dogs and stop barking. The RSPCA says if the collars stay on for long periods, they can become embedded in a dog's neck. Electric collars can malfunction, administering no shocks or nonstop shocks. The anxiety and confusion caused can lead to changes in a dog's heart and respiration rates. The Australian Veterinary Association says the pain and fear generated by electric collars go beyond short-term suffering, creating long-term stress. Dogs can develop anxiety, reduced motivation, increased and redirected aggression. This aggression can be dangerous for the public. The collars are now banned in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. The State of New South Wales has banned electric collars. In countries where animal welfare is paramount they are banned as an abusive form of control. RSPCA recommend in its publication Lead by Example, the practice of training dogs using pain and fear should be replaced with positive reinforcement. RSPCA publish a list of collars that do not cause harm to dogs.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House remove any provisions in the Act that permit the use of an electric collar on a dog and implement legislation to prohibit the use of electric or e-collars.