Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that current legislation permits the use of Choke (slip) collars. Choke collars can cause serious injury and pain to dogs. Choke collars are placed to tighten around a dog’s neck to cause rapid constriction and to choke the dog, especially when pulling on a lead. Choke collars are considered to be an abusive form of control based on pain and fear and cause dogs to become distressed, anxious and aggressive. The use of choke collars has been directly linked to whiplash, fainting, spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis, crushing of the trachea with partial or complete asphyxiation, crushing and/or fracture of bones in the larynx, dislocated neck bones, bruising of the oesophagus, bruising and damage to the skin and tissues in the neck, brain damage and prolapsed eyes caused by sharp increases in pressure in the head, tracheal and esophageal damage, Severely sprained necks, transient foreleg paralysis, laryngeal nerve paralysis, hind leg ataxia. 

The use of choke collars is not supported by the RSPCA and recognised dog training and welfare organisations. Research shows that choke collars suppress behaviour but does not change behaviour, and leads to emotional and behavioural issues which can lead to aggression. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to follow lead where choke collars are already banned, and ban the use of choke collars. All choke collars must be surrendered. Penalties must be introduced for their importation sale and use in Queensland.